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. A nurse is planning care for a school-age child who has thrombocytopenia. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

• A. Administer aspirin as needed for fever.
• B. Avoid venipunctures whenever possible.
• C. Encourage the child to participate in contact sports.
• D. Administer ibuprofen for pain.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Avoid venipunctures whenever possible.' Thrombocytopenia is a condition characterized by a low platelet count, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Venipunctures can cause bleeding in these patients; therefore, they should be avoided whenever possible. Choice A is incorrect because aspirin should be avoided in patients with thrombocytopenia as it can further increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet effects. Choice C is incorrect because participating in contact sports can also increase the risk of injury and bleeding in a child with thrombocytopenia. Choice D is incorrect as ibuprofen, like aspirin, can also increase the risk of bleeding and should be avoided in these patients.

3. A healthcare professional is preparing for the delivery of a newborn with a known diaphragmatic hernia defect. Which equipment should the professional have on hand for the delivery?

• A. Bag-valve-mask system
• B. Sterile gauze and saline
• C. Soft arm restraints
• D. Endotracheal tube

Correct answer: D

Rationale: An endotracheal tube is crucial for managing the airway of a newborn with a diaphragmatic hernia. In this condition, there may be respiratory distress due to incomplete development of the diaphragm, allowing abdominal organs to move into the chest cavity and compress the lungs. The endotracheal tube helps in securing the airway and providing respiratory support if needed until definitive treatment can be initiated.

4. A nurse is planning care to address nutritional needs for a preschooler with cystic fibrosis. Which interventions should the nurse include in plans?

• A. Administer pancreatic enzymes 2 hours after meals.
• B. Monitor and adjust the use of pancreatic enzymes if steatorrhea develops.
• C. Encourage adequate fluid intake based on the child's needs.
• D. Increase fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Increasing fat content in the diet is essential for meeting the high energy needs of a child with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis impairs the absorption of nutrients, particularly fats, so increasing the fat content in the child's diet to 40% of total calories helps ensure adequate caloric intake. This intervention can help maintain the child's nutritional status and support growth and development.

5. 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.

Similar Questions