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 nurse plans to closely monitor for which clinical manifestation after administering furosemide (Lasix)?

• A. Decrease pulse
• B. Decrease temperature
• C. Decrease BP
• D. Decrease respiratory rate.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: High-ceiling diuretics, such as furosemide, are the most effective diuretic agents. They produce more loss of fluid and electrolytes than any others. A sudden loss of fluid can result in decreased BP. When BP drops, the pulse will probably increase rather than decrease.

3. A parent of an infant with diaper dermatitis is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Use baby wipes that contain alcohol to clean the baby's skin.
• B. Expose the baby's skin to air.
• C. Use a blow dryer on the warm setting to dry the baby's skin.
• D. Give the baby a bath once a week.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should instruct the parent to expose the infant's skin to air as it helps in promoting the healing process of diaper dermatitis by allowing the skin to breathe and reducing moisture, which can worsen the condition.

4. A healthcare professional is planning care for an infant who has a colostomy. Which of the following actions should the healthcare professional take?

• A. Change the ostomy pouch every day.
• B. Use baby wipes to clean the stoma.
• C. Avoid using soap to clean the stoma.
• D. Apply barrier ointment to the skin around the stoma.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When caring for an infant with a colostomy, it is essential to apply barrier ointment to the skin around the stoma. This helps in preventing skin breakdown and irritation caused by exposure to stool or urine. Changing the ostomy pouch as needed, using appropriate cleaning supplies such as warm water and mild soap (avoiding harsh chemicals like alcohol), and ensuring gentle cleaning of the stoma with a soft cloth or gauze are also important steps in colostomy care. Using baby wipes may not be recommended as they can contain chemicals that may irritate the sensitive skin around the stoma.

5. The patient with bipolar disorder is being treated with lithium and has a new prescription for captopril for hypertension. The combination of these two drugs makes which assessment particularly important?

• A. Potassium level
• B. Lithium level
• C. Creatinine level
• D. Blood pressure

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When captopril, an ACE inhibitor, is combined with lithium, it can lead to lithium accumulation. Therefore, monitoring lithium levels is crucial to prevent toxicity. While ACE inhibitors like captopril can cause hyperkalemia, renal insufficiency, and hypotension, the risk of these effects is not increased by the combination of lithium and captopril.

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