Nursing Elites

1. The client has been managing angina episodes with nitroglycerin. Which of the following indicates the drug is effective?

• A. Decreased chest pain.
• B. Increased blood pressure.
• C. Decreased blood pressure.
• D. Decreased heart rate.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Decreased chest pain. Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that works by decreasing myocardial oxygen consumption, which helps to reduce chest pain caused by angina. Therefore, a reduction in chest pain is a positive indicator of the drug's effectiveness. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because nitroglycerin does not typically increase blood pressure or heart rate; instead, it often causes a decrease in blood pressure due to vasodilation and may cause a reflex tachycardia (increased heart rate) as a compensatory response to lowered blood pressure.

2. The healthcare provider is assessing a client with chronic renal failure who is receiving peritoneal dialysis. Which of the following findings would indicate a complication of the treatment?

• A. Clear dialysate outflow.
• B. Cloudy dialysate outflow.
• C. Decreased urine output.
• D. Increased blood pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Cloudy dialysate outflow is a sign of peritonitis, a serious complication of peritoneal dialysis that requires immediate medical attention. Peritonitis, an infection of the peritoneum, the lining of the abdominal cavity, can lead to severe complications if not treated promptly. Clear dialysate outflow is an expected finding in peritoneal dialysis, indicating proper functioning of the process. Decreased urine output is common in clients with renal failure due to impaired kidney function. Increased blood pressure may be present in renal failure but is not a direct complication of peritoneal dialysis.

3. In a patient with pneumonia, what is the primary goal of treatment?

• A. Reducing inflammation.
• B. Eliminating the infection.
• C. Reducing pain.
• D. Preventing complications.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The primary goal of treating pneumonia is to eliminate the infection. Antibiotics are commonly used to target the specific pathogen causing pneumonia. While reducing inflammation and preventing complications are important aspects of treatment, the key focus initially is on eradicating the infectious agent to improve the patient's condition and prevent further spread of the infection.

4. The patient is receiving a high dose of tetracycline (Sumycin). Which laboratory values should the nurse monitor while caring for this patient?

• A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels
• B. Complete blood counts
• C. Electrolytes
• D. Liver enzyme levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: High doses of tetracyclines can lead to nephrotoxicity, especially when given along with other nephrotoxic drugs. Renal function tests, such as monitoring blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels, should be performed to assess for nephrotoxicity. Monitoring complete blood counts (choice B) is not directly related to tetracycline therapy. Checking electrolytes (choice C) is important but not the priority when monitoring for tetracycline-induced nephrotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzyme levels (choice D) is not typically indicated in the context of tetracycline therapy.

5. The patient has a heart rate of 98 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 82/58 mm Hg, is lethargic, complaining of muscle weakness, and has had gastroenteritis for several days. Based on these findings, which sodium value would the nurse expect?

• A. 126 mEq/L
• B. 140 mEq/L
• C. 145 mEq/L
• D. 158 mEq/L

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The patient's presentation of tachycardia, hypotension, lethargy, muscle weakness, and gastroenteritis suggests hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is characterized by a serum sodium level below the normal range of 135-145 mEq/L. A serum sodium level of 126 mEq/L falls significantly below this range, indicating hyponatremia. Choice B (140 mEq/L) and Choice C (145 mEq/L) are within the normal range for serum sodium levels and would not explain the patient's symptoms. Choice D (158 mEq/L) is above the normal range and would indicate hypernatremia, which is not consistent with the patient's presentation.

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