Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is assisting in the care of a client with a history of angina pectoris who is receiving nitroglycerin patches. Which instruction should the nurse reinforce with the client?

• A. Apply the patch to a different site each time.
• B. Remove the patch at night to prevent tolerance.
• C. Use more than one patch if chest pain occurs.
• D. Shower with caution while wearing the patch.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Removing the nitroglycerin patch at night is crucial to prevent the development of tolerance. Tolerance can occur when the body becomes accustomed to a constant level of the medication, reducing its effectiveness. By removing the patch at night, the client experiences a drug-free period, which helps prevent tolerance and maintains the effectiveness of the nitroglycerin for angina relief. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because applying the patch to a different site each time helps prevent skin irritation, using more than one patch is not recommended unless instructed by the healthcare provider, and showering with caution is important to prevent dislodging the patch, but it is not the most critical instruction to prevent tolerance development.

2. A client has a new prescription for sertraline. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take this medication at bedtime.
• B. I may experience sexual dysfunction.
• C. I should avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
• D. I may experience weight loss while taking this medication.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of sertraline. When the client mentions this potential side effect, it indicates an understanding of the teaching about the medication's effects. This response shows awareness of a significant adverse effect that the client should be informed about when starting sertraline. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking sertraline at bedtime, avoiding grapefruit juice, or experiencing weight loss are not key teaching points associated with this medication.

3. A client has a new prescription for transdermal nitroglycerin patches. Which of the following instructions should be included for proper use?

• A. Apply the patch to the same site each day.
• B. Place the patch on an area of skin away from skin folds and joints.
• C. Keep the patch on 24 hours per day.
• D. Replace the patch every 72 hours.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Placing the nitroglycerin patch on an area of skin away from skin folds and joints is crucial to ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness of the medication. Placing the patch on skin folds or joints can interfere with absorption, potentially reducing the patch's efficacy. Therefore, it is essential to follow this instruction to maximize the therapeutic benefits of the nitroglycerin patches. The other options are incorrect because applying the patch to the same site each day can lead to skin irritation, keeping the patch on 24 hours per day may not be necessary depending on the specific patch instructions, and replacing the patch every 72 hours is not the standard frequency for nitroglycerin patches.

4. A client with peripheral artery disease (PAD) complains of pain in the legs while walking. Which instruction should the LPN/LVN reinforce to help alleviate the client's symptoms?

• A. Walk until the pain becomes severe, then rest.
• B. Perform leg exercises while sitting.
• C. Elevate the legs on pillows while resting.
• D. Take frequent breaks and walk shorter distances.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to take frequent breaks and walk shorter distances. This instruction helps alleviate symptoms in clients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) by allowing them to manage pain and discomfort more effectively. Option A is incorrect as waiting for the pain to become severe before resting can exacerbate symptoms. Option B, performing leg exercises while sitting, may not directly address the issue of pain during walking. Option C, elevating the legs on pillows while resting, is beneficial for other conditions like edema but may not specifically help alleviate pain while walking in PAD clients.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Dry cough
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Bradycardia is a significant finding associated with digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, can lead to bradycardia as a sign of toxicity. Bradycardia requires immediate attention and reporting to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because weight gain, dry cough, and hypokalemia are not specific signs of digoxin toxicity. While weight gain can be a side effect of digoxin, it is not a classic sign of toxicity. Dry cough is more commonly associated with medications like ACE inhibitors, and hypokalemia can be a complication of digoxin therapy but is not a direct sign of toxicity.

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