Nursing Elites

1. The nurse assigns an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to feed a client who is at risk for aspiration. What action should the nurse take to ensure safety?

• A. Inform the UAP that suction is available at the bedside.
• B. Instruct the UAP to notify the nurse if the client chokes.
• C. Observe the UAP's ability to implement precautions during feeding.
• D. Ask the UAP about previous experience in performing this skill.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Observing the UAP's ability to implement precautions during feeding is crucial to ensuring the client's safety, especially when there is a risk of aspiration. This hands-on observation allows the nurse to assess whether the UAP is competent in handling the feeding procedure safely. Informing the UAP about suction availability (Choice A) is important but does not directly assess the UAP's ability during feeding. Instructing the UAP to notify the nurse if the client chokes (Choice B) focuses on reactive measures rather than proactive supervision. Asking about previous experience (Choice D) does not provide real-time information on the UAP's current competency in handling the specific feeding task for the at-risk client.

2. A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being discharged with a prescription for epoetin alfa (Epogen). What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

• A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
• B. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• C. Expect to feel better immediately.
• D. Avoid foods high in potassium.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure regularly.' Epoetin alfa (Epogen) can lead to hypertension as a side effect, so it is essential for clients with CKD to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Choice A is incorrect because epoetin alfa does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the client should not expect immediate improvement upon starting the medication. Choice D is incorrect because while monitoring potassium intake is important in CKD, the question specifically pertains to epoetin alfa and its side effects, not potassium intake.

3. A client with hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide to the client?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach
• B. Monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism
• C. Expect to see results within a week
• D. Avoid exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to monitor for signs of hyperthyroidism. Too much levothyroxine can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, indicating an overdose. Choice A is incorrect as levothyroxine is usually taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption. Choice C is inaccurate as it may take weeks to months to see the full effects of levothyroxine therapy due to the need for dosage adjustments. Choice D is unrelated to levothyroxine therapy and is not a crucial concern for this specific medication.

4. The client is being educated by the nurse about the side effects of prednisone. Which side effect should the client be instructed to report immediately?

• A. Weight gain.
• B. Increased appetite.
• C. Hyperglycemia.
• D. Fever or sore throat.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever or sore throat. These symptoms should be reported immediately as they could indicate an infection, which can be serious in clients taking prednisone due to its immunosuppressive effects. Choices A and B are common side effects of prednisone but are not typically considered urgent. Choice C, hyperglycemia, is a known side effect of prednisone but is not an immediate concern compared to the potential of an infection signaled by fever or sore throat.

5. A client with a diagnosis of depression is prescribed an SSRI. What is the most important information the nurse should provide?

• A. Take the medication as prescribed.
• B. Avoid consuming grapefruit juice.
• C. Report any thoughts of self-harm immediately.
• D. Understand that improvement may take weeks.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The most important information the nurse should provide to a client prescribed an SSRI for depression is to report any thoughts of self-harm immediately. SSRIs can increase suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment, so it is crucial to monitor for this and take appropriate actions. While it is important to take the medication as prescribed (Choice A), the immediate need for reporting self-harm ideation takes precedence. Avoiding grapefruit juice (Choice B) is a general precaution with certain medications but not as critical in this scenario. Understanding that improvement may take weeks (Choice D) is important for managing treatment expectations, but ensuring the client's safety in the context of suicidal ideation is the top priority.

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