Nursing Elites

1. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a blood transfusion. Which action is most important to ensure client safety?

• A. Check the client's vital signs before starting the transfusion.
• B. Verify the client's identity and blood compatibility.
• C. Administer the blood with normal saline.
• D. Monitor the client for the first 15 minutes of the transfusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verifying the client's identity and blood compatibility is the most critical step in ensuring client safety during a blood transfusion. This process helps prevent transfusion reactions by confirming that the correct blood product is being administered to the right patient.

2. A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Take your pulse before each dose and hold the medication if your pulse is below 60 beats per minute.
• B. Increase your intake of foods high in potassium.
• C. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal to enhance absorption.
• D. Skip a dose if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed digoxin is to take their pulse before each dose and hold the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute. This is crucial to prevent digoxin toxicity, as digoxin can cause adverse effects when the pulse rate is too low. Monitoring the pulse regularly ensures safety and appropriate management of the medication.

3. A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?

• A. Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL.
• B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 200 mg/dL.
• C. Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL.
• D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 40 mg/dL.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: An LDL level of 200 mg/dL is significantly elevated and requires immediate intervention to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in a client with coronary artery disease (CAD). High LDL levels contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, which can lead to complications like heart attacks and strokes. Lowering LDL levels is a key goal in managing CAD and preventing further cardiovascular damage. Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL, triglycerides of 150 mg/dL, and HDL of 40 mg/dL are within acceptable ranges and do not pose an immediate risk that necessitates urgent intervention.

4. The client is prescribed clozapine (Clozaril), and the nurse plans to educate them about its purpose. Which statement should the nurse provide?

• A. It will help you function better in the community.
• B. The medication will help you think more clearly.
• C. You will be able to cope with your symptoms.
• D. It will improve your grooming and hygiene.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Clozapine (Clozaril) is an antipsychotic medication that is known to improve cognitive function and thought clarity in individuals with schizophrenia. It primarily helps in managing symptoms related to thought processes rather than focusing on community function, coping with symptoms, or grooming and hygiene.

5. The healthcare provider is caring for a client who has just undergone a thyroidectomy. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?

• A. Hoarse voice.
• B. Difficulty swallowing.
• C. Numbness and tingling around the mouth.
• D. Sore throat.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Numbness and tingling around the mouth can indicate hypocalcemia, a potential complication after thyroidectomy. Hypocalcemia can occur due to inadvertent injury or removal of the parathyroid glands during the thyroidectomy, leading to decreased calcium levels. As a result, the client may experience symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle cramps, or spasms. Prompt intervention is necessary to prevent severe complications like tetany or seizures. Therefore, the healthcare provider should address numbness and tingling around the mouth immediately to prevent further deterioration of calcium levels and potential serious outcomes. Choices A, B, and D are not typically associated with immediate post-thyroidectomy complications and can be addressed after ensuring the client's calcium levels are stable.

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