ATI LPN
Pharmacology for LPN
1. The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care to prevent the complication of pulmonary embolism?
- A. Encourage ambulation as tolerated.
- B. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
- C. Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
- D. Encourage the use of incentive spirometry.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Administering anticoagulants as prescribed is crucial in preventing the complication of pulmonary embolism in clients with deep vein thrombosis. Anticoagulants help prevent the formation of new clots and the enlargement of existing ones, thereby reducing the risk of a pulmonary embolism. Encouraging ambulation as tolerated is beneficial for preventing complications related to immobility, but it is not the primary intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism in this case. Applying cold compresses to the affected area may help with pain and swelling but does not address the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry is more relevant in preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis, not specifically pulmonary embolism.
2. A client reports chest pain that is unrelieved by three doses of nitroglycerin taken 5 minutes apart. What is the nurse's next best action?
- A. Administer another dose of nitroglycerin.
- B. Call the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Provide oxygen via nasal cannula.
- D. Place the client in a supine position.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the scenario described, the client's chest pain persists despite three doses of nitroglycerin, indicating a potentially severe cardiac issue like a myocardial infarction. The priority for the nurse in this situation is to involve the healthcare provider promptly. Calling the healthcare provider immediately is essential to ensure timely evaluation and appropriate intervention for the client. Administering more nitroglycerin without further assessment or instructions may not be safe and could delay necessary treatments. Providing oxygen or changing the client's position may offer some comfort but does not address the underlying potentially life-threatening condition, making these options less appropriate as the immediate next best action.
3. Which of the following is not a clinical type of diarrhea?
- A. Acute diarrhea
- B. Bloody diarrhea
- C. Persistent diarrhea
- D. Secretory diarrhea
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Bloody diarrhea is not typically classified as a clinical type of diarrhea. The clinical types of diarrhea commonly include acute, persistent, and secretory diarrhea, which are characterized by different mechanisms and durations. Bloody diarrhea usually indicates the presence of blood in the stool, which can be a sign of various underlying conditions but is not a specific clinical type of diarrhea.
4. A nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a thyroidectomy. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as a sign of hypocalcemia?
- A. Nausea
- B. Tingling in the fingers
- C. Numbness in the toes
- D. Sweating
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Tingling in the fingers is a classic sign of hypocalcemia. Following a thyroidectomy, hypocalcemia can occur due to damage to the parathyroid glands, which regulate calcium levels in the body. Nausea, numbness in the toes, and sweating are not specific signs of hypocalcemia. Numbness and tingling usually start in the hands and feet due to their increased nerve sensitivity to low calcium levels.
5. What is an important aspect of patient education regarding buspirone when prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)?
- A. Buspirone is an as-needed medication for anxiety.
- B. Buspirone has a high risk of addiction and dependence.
- C. Buspirone may not become effective until 2-4 weeks after starting the medication.
- D. Buspirone should be taken with food to increase absorption.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. When educating a patient about buspirone for generalized anxiety disorder, it is crucial to highlight that buspirone may take 2-4 weeks to become effective. Patients need to be aware of this delayed onset of action to manage their expectations and continue the medication as prescribed. This information helps patients understand that they may not experience immediate relief and should not discontinue the medication prematurely. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because buspirone is typically taken regularly, not as-needed, it has a lower risk of addiction compared to other anxiety medications, and it does not need to be taken with food for increased absorption.
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