the nurse instructs the client taking dexamethasone decadron to take it with food or milk what is the physiological basis for this instruction
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

HESI Practice Test for Fundamentals

1. The client is advised to take dexamethasone (Decadron) with food or milk. What is the physiological basis for this advice?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Stimulates hydrochloric acid production. Dexamethasone can stimulate the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which may lead to irritation of the stomach lining. Taking dexamethasone with food or milk helps to neutralize or buffer the acid, reducing the risk of stomach irritation. Choice A is incorrect because dexamethasone does not inhibit pepsin production. Choice C is incorrect as dexamethasone does not slow stomach emptying time. Choice D is incorrect as dexamethasone does not reduce hydrochloric acid production.

2. In a client with liver cirrhosis, which symptom would be most concerning during assessment?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Altered mental status would be the most concerning symptom in a client with liver cirrhosis. It may indicate hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. While jaundice, ascites, and hepatomegaly are common in liver cirrhosis, they do not directly correlate with the urgency and severity of hepatic encephalopathy as altered mental status does. Therefore, altered mental status takes priority for immediate attention and intervention.

3. A nurse is developing an individualized plan of care for a patient. Which action is important for the nurse to take?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When developing an individualized plan of care for a patient, the nurse must set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-bound (SMART). Choice A is correct as it emphasizes the importance of establishing goals that are measurable and realistic, ensuring they are attainable within a specific timeframe. Setting goals that are beyond the capabilities of the patient (Choice B) can lead to frustration and lack of progress. Using only the nurse's judgment and disregarding family desires (Choice C) may not consider important aspects of the patient's social support and preferences. Explaining that progress requires taking alignment risks (Choice D) is not a standard approach in nursing care planning and may confuse the patient or hinder trust in the nurse's decision-making.

4. The nurse is teaching an elderly client how to use MDIs (multi-dose inhalers). The nurse is concerned that the client is unable to coordinate the release of the medication with the inhalation phase. What is the nurse's best recommendation to improve the delivery of the medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Adding a spacer device to the MDI canister is the best recommendation in this scenario. The spacer device helps to improve coordination and medication delivery by allowing the client more time to inhale the medication effectively. Nebulized treatments for home care (Choice A) involve a different delivery method and are not directly related to improving coordination with MDIs. Asking a family member to assist (Choice C) may not address the core issue of coordination between releasing the medication and inhalation. Requesting a visiting nurse (Choice D) may not be necessary if the client can improve coordination with the spacer device.

5. Which toy is most appropriate for an 18-month-old child?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A pull toy is the most appropriate choice for an 18-month-old child. At this age, children are developing their motor skills and coordination, and a pull toy can help with these aspects by encouraging movement and coordination. Puzzle with large pieces (Choice B) may pose a choking hazard for a child of this age due to small parts. While a book with large pictures (Choice C) can be engaging and beneficial for language development, a pull toy is more suitable for promoting physical development in an 18-month-old. A doll with small clothes (Choice D) is not ideal for this age group as small parts can be a choking hazard.

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