Nursing Elites

1. Prednisone is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus who is taking Humulin neutral protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin daily. Which of the following prescription changes does the nurse anticipate during therapy with prednisone?

• A. An additional dose of prednisone daily
• B. A decreased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin
• C. An increased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin
• D. The addition of an oral hypoglycemic medication daily

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When prednisone is prescribed for a client with diabetes mellitus who is taking Humulin NPH insulin daily, the nurse should anticipate an increased amount of daily Humulin NPH insulin. Prednisone, a glucocorticoid, can elevate blood glucose levels, requiring an increase in insulin dosage to maintain optimal blood sugar control.

2. Isosorbide mononitrate (Imdur) is prescribed for a client with angina pectoris. The client tells the nurse that the medication is causing a chronic headache. The nurse appropriately suggests that the client:

• A. Cut the dose in half.
• B. Discontinue the medication.
• C. Take the medication with food.
• D. Contact the healthcare provider (HCP).

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Isosorbide mononitrate can cause headaches, which usually disappear during continued therapy. Taking the medication with food or meals can help alleviate the headache. It is important to recommend this approach before considering dose adjustments or discontinuation of the medication. Contacting the healthcare provider would be necessary if the headache persists despite taking the medication with food.

3. A client is taking docusate sodium (Colace). The nurse monitors which of the following to determine whether the client is experiencing a therapeutic effect from this medication?

• A. Abdominal pain
• B. Reduction in steatorrhea
• C. Hematest-negative stools
• D. Regular bowel movements

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The therapeutic effect of docusate sodium (Colace) is to soften stools and promote regular bowel movements, making option D the correct choice. Monitoring for regular bowel movements would indicate that the medication is working as intended by relieving or preventing constipation. Options A, B, and C are not directly related to the therapeutic effect of docusate sodium. Abdominal pain (option A) is a symptom that might indicate a problem rather than a therapeutic effect. Reduction in steatorrhea (option B) and Hematest-negative stools (option C) are not specific outcomes associated with docusate sodium.

4. When administering etanercept (Enbrel) to a client with rheumatoid arthritis for 3 weeks, what is the most important assessment for the nurse to perform?

• A. Assessing the injection site for itching and edema
• B. Monitoring white blood cell counts and platelet counts
• C. Evaluating for fatigue and joint pain in the client
• D. Checking for a metallic taste in the mouth and loss of appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The priority when administering etanercept (Enbrel) to a client with rheumatoid arthritis is to monitor white blood cell counts and platelet counts. Etanercept can lead to infections and pancytopenia, making it crucial to assess for changes in these blood parameters to detect any potential complications early on.

5. The nurse provides medication instructions to an older hypertensive client who is taking 20 mg of lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril) orally daily. The nurse evaluates the need for further teaching when the client states which of the following?

• A. I can skip a dose once a week.
• B. I need to change my position slowly.
• C. I take the pill after breakfast each day.
• D. If I get a bad headache, I should call my doctor immediately.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Lisinopril should be taken daily as prescribed and not skipped. Skipping doses can lead to ineffective treatment.

Similar Questions