Nursing Elites

1. The LPN/LVN is assisting in the care of a client with chronic heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which sign should the nurse monitor for that could indicate digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Tachycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia is a common sign of digoxin toxicity and should be closely monitored. Digoxin toxicity can lead to various cardiac dysrhythmias, with bradycardia being a significant indicator. Monitoring the client's heart rate is crucial to detect and manage digoxin toxicity promptly. Tachycardia, hypertension, and hyperglycemia are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Tachycardia is more commonly seen with inadequate treatment of heart failure, hypertension is a possible but less common effect, and hyperglycemia is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity.

2. A client is taking levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should indicate to the healthcare provider that the client is experiencing levothyroxine toxicity?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Insomnia
• C. Heat intolerance
• D. Dry skin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Heat intolerance is a hallmark sign of levothyroxine toxicity. It indicates that the client may be receiving an excessive dose of levothyroxine, leading to hyperthyroid symptoms. This can happen when the dosage is too high, causing the body to have an excess of thyroid hormone. Weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism but alone does not specifically indicate levothyroxine toxicity. Insomnia can be related to hyperthyroidism but is not a specific sign of levothyroxine toxicity. Dry skin is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism rather than levothyroxine toxicity.

3. 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.

4. The LPN/LVN is assisting in caring for a client in the telemetry unit who is receiving an intravenous infusion of 1000 mL of 5% dextrose with 40 mEq of potassium chloride. Which occurrence observed on the cardiac monitor indicates the presence of hyperkalemia?

• A. Tall, peaked T waves
• B. ST segment depressions
• C. Shortened P-R intervals
• D. Shortening of the QRS complex

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In hyperkalemia, tall, peaked T waves are a distinct ECG finding. These T waves can be seen as a result of increased serum potassium levels, affecting the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential. It is crucial for healthcare providers to recognize this ECG change promptly as hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and complications. ST segment depressions, shortened P-R intervals, and shortening of the QRS complex are not typically associated with hyperkalemia. ST segment depressions are more indicative of myocardial ischemia or infarction. Shortened P-R intervals may be seen in conditions like Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome. Shortening of the QRS complex is associated with conditions affecting the conduction system of the heart, such as bundle branch blocks.

5. A client is diagnosed with thrombophlebitis. The nurse should tell the client that which prescription is indicated?

• A. Bed rest, with bathroom privileges only
• B. Bed rest, keeping the affected extremity flat
• C. Bed rest, with elevation of the affected extremity
• D. Bed rest, with the affected extremity in a dependent position

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bed rest, with elevation of the affected extremity. Elevating the affected extremity is crucial in managing thrombophlebitis as it helps reduce swelling and promotes venous return. By elevating the affected extremity, the gravitational force assists in venous blood flow back to the heart, thereby reducing the risk of complications associated with thrombophlebitis. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not address the need for elevation, which is specifically beneficial in the management of thrombophlebitis.

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