Nursing Elites

1. The practical nurse administered carbidopa-levodopa to a client diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Which outcome by the client would indicate a therapeutic response?

• A. Decreased blood pressure
• B. Lessening of tremors
• C. Increased salivation
• D. Increased attention span

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lessening of tremors. Carbidopa-levodopa increases the amount of levodopa to the CNS, providing more dopamine to the brain. Increased dopamine levels help alleviate Parkinson's symptoms such as tremors, involuntary movements, and gait abnormalities. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as carbidopa-levodopa is not expected to have a direct effect on blood pressure, salivation, or attention span in the context of treating Parkinson's disease.

2. A client is prescribed methylprednisolone for an allergic reaction. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect of this medication?

• A. Nausea and vomiting
• B. Weight gain
• C. Insomnia
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is prescribed methylprednisolone, a corticosteroid, the nurse should monitor for weight gain as a potential side effect. Corticosteroids like methylprednisolone can cause weight gain and fluid retention due to their impact on metabolism and sodium retention. Nausea and vomiting are less common side effects of methylprednisolone. Insomnia and increased appetite are not typically associated with methylprednisolone use.

3. A client with a diagnosis of schizophrenia is prescribed ziprasidone. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?

• A. QT prolongation
• B. Weight gain
• C. Dry mouth
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: QT prolongation. Ziprasidone is known to cause QT prolongation, which can potentially lead to serious cardiac issues. Monitoring the client's ECG is crucial to detect any changes and prevent adverse effects related to QT interval prolongation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, dry mouth, and increased appetite are not commonly associated with ziprasidone. While weight gain can be a side effect of some antipsychotic medications, it is not a prominent side effect of ziprasidone. Dry mouth and increased appetite are also not typically linked to ziprasidone use.

4. A client with schizophrenia is prescribed risperidone. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• B. This medication may cause drowsiness.
• C. This medication might make me feel drowsy.
• D. I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Clients should not stop taking risperidone abruptly once they feel better without consulting their healthcare provider.

5. The practical nurse is assigned a client on digoxin therapy. Which finding is likely to predispose this client to developing digoxin toxicity?

• A. Hyponatremia
• B. Hypernatremia
• C. Hyperkalemia
• D. Hypokalemia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Hypokalemia predisposes a client on digoxin to digoxin toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, bradycardia, and atrioventricular (AV) dissociation. Therefore, assessment of serum potassium levels and prompt correction of hypokalemia are crucial interventions for clients taking digoxin.

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