Nursing Elites

1. The client with infective endocarditis must be assessed frequently by the home health nurse. Which finding suggests that antibiotic therapy is not effective and must be reported by the nurse immediately to the healthcare provider?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Fever of 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 degrees Celsius)
• C. Diffuse macular rash
• D. Muscle tenderness

Correct answer: B

Rationale: A high fever, such as 103 degrees Fahrenheit (39.5 degrees Celsius), in a client with infective endocarditis indicates that the infection may not be responding to the antibiotics and requires immediate medical evaluation. Nausea and vomiting, diffuse macular rash, and muscle tenderness are not typically associated with the ineffectiveness of antibiotic therapy in infective endocarditis.

2. A child is admitted to the pediatric unit with a diagnosis of suspected meningococcal meningitis. Which admission orders should the nurse do first?

• A. Institute seizure precautions
• B. Monitor neurologic status every hour
• C. Place in respiratory/secretion precautions
• D. Cefotaxime IV 50 mg/kg/day divided q6h

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to place the child in respiratory/secretion precautions first. Meningococcal meningitis is highly contagious, and respiratory precautions are essential to prevent the spread of the infection. Seizure precautions may be necessary but are not the priority upon admission. Monitoring neurologic status is important but not the initial action needed. While antibiotic therapy like Cefotaxime is crucial, implementing isolation precautions to prevent transmission takes precedence in this situation.

3. The client is being taught about precautions with Coumadin therapy. Which over-the-counter medication should the client be instructed to avoid?

• A. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• B. Cough medicines with guaifenesin
• C. Histamine blockers
• D. Laxatives containing magnesium salts

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). When a client is on Coumadin therapy, NSAIDs should be avoided because they can increase the risk of bleeding due to their antiplatelet effects. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Cough medicines with guaifenesin, histamine blockers, and laxatives containing magnesium salts do not have a significant interaction with Coumadin therapy that would necessitate avoidance.

4. A client is receiving intravenous heparin therapy. What medication should the nurse have available in the event of an overdose of heparin?

• A. Protamine
• B. Amicar
• C. Imferon
• D. Diltiazem

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Protamine is the antidote for heparin overdose. It works by neutralizing the anticoagulant effects of heparin. Amicar (Choice B) is used to treat excessive bleeding due to elevated fibrinolytic activity and is not the antidote for heparin overdose. Imferon (Choice C) is an iron supplement and is not indicated for heparin overdose. Diltiazem (Choice D) is a calcium channel blocker used to treat hypertension and angina, not for heparin overdose. Therefore, the correct choice is Protamine (Choice A).

5. A nurse is reinforcing teaching to transition from breastfeeding to whole milk with the parents of an infant. Which of the following months of age should the nurse recommend for transitioning the infant to whole milk?

• A. 6 months
• B. 8 months
• C. 10 months
• D. 12 months

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: 12 months. Whole milk should be introduced at 12 months to ensure the infant's digestive system can handle the increased fat content. Introducing whole milk before 12 months can lead to digestive issues and potential allergies. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because transitioning to whole milk before 12 months is not recommended for infants due to their digestive system still developing and not being able to handle the higher fat content of whole milk.

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