Nursing Elites

1. What is the most appropriate nursing consideration for a patient who is prescribed verapamil and digoxin?

• A. Restrict intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods
• B. Take an apical pulse for 30 seconds before administration
• C. Notify the healthcare provider of nausea, vomiting, and visual changes
• D. Hold the medications if the heart rate is greater than 110 bpm

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient is prescribed verapamil and digoxin, it is crucial to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity due to the potential interaction between these medications. Verapamil can elevate digoxin blood serum levels, increasing the risk of toxicity. Symptoms of digoxin toxicity include nausea, vomiting, and visual changes. Therefore, the most appropriate nursing consideration is to notify the healthcare provider of these symptoms. Restricting intake of oral fluids and high-fiber foods is not a specific consideration related to this medication combination. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to take an apical pulse for a full minute, not just 30 seconds, to ensure accuracy. Additionally, holding the medications if the heart rate exceeds 110 bpm is not a typical response to the combination of verapamil and digoxin, which can cause bradycardia rather than tachycardia.

2. The healthcare provider is caring for a 9-month-old infant who just returned from the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) after a shunt placement for hydrocephalus. Which healthcare provider prescription should the nurse question?

• A. Vital signs and neurologic checks hourly
• B. Small, frequent formula feedings
• C. Elevate the head of the bed
• D. Daily head circumference measurements

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Elevating the head of the bed in a child with hydrocephalus can potentially increase intracranial pressure. This can be counterproductive and may lead to complications after shunt placement surgery. Keeping the head of the bed flat or slightly elevated is often recommended to optimize cerebral perfusion and reduce the risk of increased intracranial pressure.

3. Mary is excited to work with the family of a friend with whom she has lost contact. Mary hopes the family will be able to connect her with her friend and is looking forward to hearing about her friend. At the next session, she asks the mother many questions about her friend and they spend a lot of time discussing their home town, etc. Which statement describes this scenario?

• A. It is not therapeutic: The relationship serves no purpose
• B. It is therapeutic: Therapist, child, and family have a reciprocal caring relationship
• C. It is not therapeutic: Mary is benefiting, but not the child and family
• D. It is therapeutic: Both parties are benefiting in the relationship

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, Mary's focus on her own needs and interests by asking the mother about her lost friend and hometown indicates a lack of therapeutic benefit for the child and family. Effective therapy should prioritize the needs and goals of the child and family, not the therapist's personal desires or connections. Therefore, this interaction is not therapeutic as it fails to address the primary purpose of the therapy, which is to benefit the child and family. Choice A is incorrect because while the relationship may not be therapeutic, it does serve a purpose for Mary. Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication of a reciprocal caring relationship in this scenario. Choice D is incorrect as the focus is primarily on Mary's personal interests, rather than mutual benefit in the therapeutic relationship.

4. Which question does not provide information regarding the family's cultural values?

• A. Who makes the decisions?
• B. What is the child's date of birth?
• C. What are the daily routines and rules of mealtime?
• D. What do the parents believe about disability?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Asking for the child's date of birth is a factual question that does not directly relate to the family's cultural values. Choices A, C, and D delve into aspects that could offer insights into the family's cultural values and beliefs. Question A explores decision-making dynamics within the family, which can be influenced by cultural norms. Question C inquires about daily routines and mealtime rules, which often reflect cultural practices and values. Question D relates to the parents' beliefs about disability, which can be shaped by cultural, religious, or societal perspectives. Therefore, these questions are more likely to provide information about the family's cultural values compared to the child's date of birth.

5. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

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