Nursing Elites

1. What is the best method to assess pain in a non-verbal patient?

• A. Observe for facial expressions
• B. Observe for restlessness
• C. Observe for sweating
• D. Check for non-verbal cues

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to observe for facial expressions when assessing pain in a non-verbal patient. Facial expressions can provide vital clues about the patient's pain level and discomfort. Choices B and C, observing for restlessness and sweating, can be less specific and may indicate other issues besides pain. Choice D, checking for non-verbal cues, is too broad and does not specify the crucial aspect of focusing on facial expressions.

2. A client with schizophrenia is experiencing delusions. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

• A. Encourage the client to discuss the delusions.
• B. Tell the client that the delusions are not real.
• C. Avoid discussing the delusions with the client.
• D. Challenge the client's delusions directly.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Telling the client that their delusions are not real is the most appropriate action as it helps ground them in reality without reinforcing the delusion. Encouraging the client to discuss the delusions (choice A) may further validate or intensify the delusions. Avoiding discussing the delusions (choice C) may lead to the client feeling isolated and unheard. Challenging the client's delusions directly (choice D) can escalate the situation and cause distress to the client.

3. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. Take this medication with food to prevent nausea.
• B. Take this medication in the morning to prevent insomnia.
• C. You should store this medication in the refrigerator.
• D. Take this medication with a full glass of water before breakfast.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is to take levothyroxine with a full glass of water before breakfast. This helps improve absorption and prevents gastrointestinal side effects. Choice A is incorrect because levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach. Choice B is incorrect as insomnia is not a common side effect of levothyroxine. Choice C is also incorrect as levothyroxine does not need to be refrigerated.

4. What is the most critical lab value to monitor for a patient on heparin therapy?

• A. Monitor aPTT levels
• B. Monitor platelet count
• C. Monitor INR levels
• D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT levels. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for assessing the therapeutic effectiveness of heparin, as it reflects the intrinsic pathway of the coagulation cascade. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the patient is within the therapeutic range of heparin, minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. Platelet count (choice B) is important to assess for potential heparin-induced thrombocytopenia but is not the primary lab value to monitor during heparin therapy. INR levels (choice C) are monitored in patients on warfarin therapy, not heparin. Sodium levels (choice D) are not directly related to heparin therapy monitoring.

5. A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lisinopril. Which of the following statements should the nurse include?

• A. You should expect to develop a dry cough while taking this medication.
• B. This medication can cause a slow heart rate.
• C. You should increase your intake of foods high in potassium.
• D. You should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching a client prescribed with lisinopril is that they should avoid using salt substitutes while taking this medication. Lisinopril can cause hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, using salt substitutes that contain potassium can worsen this condition. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because lisinopril is not typically associated with causing a dry cough or a slow heart rate, and increasing potassium intake can be harmful in the presence of lisinopril-induced hyperkalemia.

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