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. Why should a healthcare professional take time to get to know the things a family does together, their weekly routine, and an explanation of family dynamics?

• A. Involvement in the family is central to best practice
• B. It is not necessary, but it is beneficial
• C. To gather demographic information for documentation purposes
• D. To assess if they have values that align with the practitioner's

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Understanding the activities, routines, and dynamics of a family is crucial for a healthcare professional to provide holistic care. By gaining insight into the family's lifestyle and relationships, the professional can tailor interventions that are better integrated into the family's daily life, fostering more effective therapy outcomes and enhancing the overall quality of care provided. Choice A is the correct answer because involvement in the family is indeed central to best practice in healthcare. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because simply gathering demographic information, assessing values alignment, or considering it as optional fails to recognize the importance of understanding the family dynamics for effective care delivery.

3. What is an appropriate intervention for the edematous child with reduced mobility related to nephrotic syndrome?

• A. Assist the child in minimizing body movements.
• B. Change the child's position frequently.
• C. Maintain the child's bed flat.
• D. Keep edematous areas moist and covered.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Changing the child's position frequently is essential for preventing respiratory tract infections and reducing pressure on delicate skin, which are common risks for edematous children with reduced mobility due to nephrotic syndrome. This intervention helps promote circulation and prevents complications associated with prolonged immobility.

4. 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.

5. A healthcare provider is assessing an infant who has hydrocephalus and is 6 hours postoperative following placement of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Which of the following findings should the provider report to the healthcare provider?

• A. Decreased urine output
• B. Temperature of 37.5 degrees C (99.5 degrees F)
• C. Heart rate 130/min
• D. Leakage of cerebrospinal fluid

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The provider should report the leakage of cerebrospinal fluid to the healthcare provider as it may indicate shunt malfunction or infection, requiring immediate attention to prevent complications. Decreased urine output, a temperature of 37.5 degrees C, and a heart rate of 130/min are common postoperative findings and may not be directly related to shunt function. While these findings should still be monitored, they do not require immediate reporting like cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

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