Nursing Elites

1. The nurse provides discharge instructions to a patient prescribed verapamil SR 120mg PO daily for HTN. Which statement by the patient indicates understanding of the medication?

• A. “I will take the medication with grapefruit juice each morning.”
• B. “I should expect occasional loose stools from this medication”
• C. “I’ll need to reduce the amount of fiber in my diet”
• D. “I must swallow the pill whole.”

Correct answer: D

Rationale: “SR” indicates that the drug is sustained release; therefore, the patient must swallow the pill intact, without chewing or crushing, which would result in a bolus effect. Grapefruit juice should be avoided, because it can inhibit intestinal and hepatic metabolism of the drug, thereby raising the drug level. Constipation, not loose stools, is a common side effect. Increasing fluids and dietary fiber can help prevent this adverse effect.

2. When teaching a parent of a 2-month-old infant with acute gastroenteritis who is bottle feeding, which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Offer Pedialyte between formula feedings.
• B. Feed the infant every 6 hours.
• C. Give diluted apple juice if the infant becomes dehydrated.
• D. Switch to soy-based formula permanently.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the case of acute gastroenteritis in a 2-month-old infant who is bottle feeding, the nurse should recommend offering Pedialyte between formula feedings. This helps prevent dehydration and ensures that the infant receives essential electrolytes and fluids to aid in recovery. Pedialyte is specifically formulated to help replace lost fluids and electrolytes due to vomiting and diarrhea, making it a suitable choice for infants with gastroenteritis. Choice B is incorrect because infants with acute gastroenteritis should be fed more frequently to prevent dehydration. Choice C is incorrect as apple juice is not recommended for infants with gastroenteritis; Pedialyte or oral rehydration solutions are preferred. Choice D is incorrect because switching to soy-based formula permanently is not necessary for managing acute gastroenteritis; Pedialyte and continuing with the current formula are more appropriate.

3. Which clinical manifestation should a nurse monitor for when assessing a pediatric client diagnosed with a basilar skull fracture?

• A. Periorbital ecchymosis
• B. Subdural hematoma
• C. Protruding bone
• D. Epidural hematoma

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Periorbital ecchymosis, also known as raccoon eyes, is a classic sign of a basilar skull fracture. It presents as bruising around the eyes due to blood collecting in the tissues. Monitoring for periorbital ecchymosis is crucial in assessing a pediatric client with a basilar skull fracture because it can indicate the presence of this serious injury.

4. A nasogastric tube for suction is ordered for a neonate diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia. Which complication related to gastric drainage is the priority when planning care for this neonate?

• A. Weight loss
• B. Metabolic alkalosis
• C. Dehydration
• D. Hyperbilirubinemia

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Metabolic alkalosis is the priority complication to consider when a neonate with a diaphragmatic hernia is placed on gastric suction. Prolonged gastric drainage can lead to the loss of stomach acids, resulting in metabolic alkalosis, which can have serious consequences for the neonate's health.

5. When receiving change-of-shift report for children, which child should the nurse assess first?

• A. A toddler who has a concussion and an episode of forceful vomiting
• B. An adolescent with infective endocarditis who reports having a headache
• C. An adolescent who was placed into Halo traction 1 hour ago and rates his pain at a 6 on a 0-10 scale
• D. A school-age child with acute glomerulonephritis and brown-colored urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should assess the toddler with a concussion and an episode of forceful vomiting first when receiving change-of-shift report for children. Forceful vomiting in a toddler with a concussion indicates increased intracranial pressure, requiring immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further complications.

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