Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is closely following a patient who began treatment with testosterone several months earlier. When assessing the patient for potential adverse effects of treatment, the nurse should prioritize which of the following assessments?

• A. Skin inspection for developing lesions
• B. Lung function testing
• C. Assessment of serum calcium levels
• D. Assessment of arterial blood gases

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In patients receiving testosterone therapy, the nurse should prioritize assessing serum calcium levels. Testosterone therapy can lead to hypercalcemia, making the evaluation of serum calcium levels crucial. Skin inspection for developing lesions, lung function testing, and arterial blood gas assessment are not the priority assessments for potential adverse effects of testosterone therapy. Skin inspection may be relevant for dermatological side effects, lung function testing and arterial blood gas assessment are not directly related to the common side effects of testosterone therapy.

2. A patient is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. What is a key point the nurse should include in the patient education?

• A. Take the medication on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to ensure proper absorption.
• B. Do not take this medication with calcium supplements.
• C. Avoid taking this medication with grapefruit juice.
• D. Take the medication with food to enhance absorption.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water, typically 30 minutes to an hour before breakfast, to ensure proper absorption. Taking it with food, calcium supplements, or grapefruit juice can interfere with its absorption. Choice B is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with calcium supplements can reduce its effectiveness. Choice C is incorrect because grapefruit juice can also interfere with levothyroxine absorption. Choice D is incorrect because taking levothyroxine with food can decrease its absorption.

3. When planning care for a cardiac patient, the nurse knows that in response to an increased workload, cardiac myocardial cells will:

• A. Increase in size
• B. Decrease in length
• C. Increase in excitability
• D. Increase in number

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase in size. Cardiac hypertrophy occurs when myocardial cells increase in size to compensate for an increased workload. This adaptation allows the heart to pump more effectively. Choice B, Decrease in length, is incorrect as cardiac cells do not decrease in length in response to increased workload. Choice C, Increase in excitability, is incorrect as increased workload does not lead to an increase in excitability of cardiac cells. Choice D, Increase in number, is incorrect as cardiac cells do not increase in number but rather increase in size to handle the increased workload.

4. A patient is prescribed zanamivir (Relenza) to treat influenza B. The patient has a history of asthma. For which of the following symptoms should the nurse assess?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Bronchospasm
• D. Pulmonary embolism

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bronchospasm. Zanamivir (Relenza) is an inhaled medication used to treat influenza by reducing the severity and duration of symptoms. Patients with a history of asthma are at risk of bronchospasm as a potential side effect of zanamivir. Assessing for bronchospasm is crucial in this case to ensure the patient's safety and well-being. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Bradycardia, pneumonia, and pulmonary embolism are not commonly associated with zanamivir use in the treatment of influenza B, especially in a patient with a history of asthma.

5. A woman is being treated with clomiphene citrate for the treatment of infertility. She states to the nurse that she has seen an increase in vaginal discharge. The nurse knows that this effect is related to:

• A. Increased blood flow to the vaginal area.
• B. Increased cervical mucus production.
• C. Increased production of vaginal secretions.
• D. Increased lubrication in the vaginal canal.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Increased production of vaginal secretions.' Clomiphene citrate affects cervical mucus production, leading to an increase in vaginal secretions. This effect is beneficial for fertility as it helps create a more hospitable environment for sperm transport. Choice A, 'Increased blood flow to the vaginal area,' is incorrect as the increase in vaginal discharge is primarily due to changes in cervical mucus. Choice B, 'Increased cervical mucus production,' is partially correct but does not fully explain the increase in vaginal secretions. Choice D, 'Increased lubrication in the vaginal canal,' is not directly related to the effect seen with clomiphene citrate treatment for infertility.

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