Nursing Elites

1. Which action should the nurse include in the plan of care for a client who is receiving acyclovir (Zovirax) IV for the treatment of herpes zoster (shingles)?

• A. Initiate cardiac telemetry monitoring
• B. Maintain continuous pulse oximetry
• C. Perform capillary glucose measurements
• D. Monitor serum creatinine levels

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor serum creatinine levels. Acyclovir can potentially impact kidney function, making it essential to monitor serum creatinine levels to assess renal function. Option A, initiating cardiac telemetry monitoring, is not directly related to acyclovir administration for herpes zoster. Option B, maintaining continuous pulse oximetry, is more relevant in assessing respiratory status rather than monitoring for acyclovir-related side effects. Option C, performing capillary glucose measurements, is not directly associated with acyclovir therapy for herpes zoster.

2. A client receiving amlodipine (Norvasc), a calcium channel blocker, develops 1+ pitting edema around the ankles. It is most important for the nurse to obtain what additional client data?

• A. Bladder distention
• B. Serum albumin level
• C. Abdominal girth
• D. Breath sounds

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D. Breath sounds.' When a client receiving amlodipine develops edema, it is crucial to assess for potential heart failure, a side effect of the medication. Checking breath sounds helps in identifying any signs of pulmonary edema, a severe complication of heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are less relevant in this context. Bladder distention could be associated with urinary issues, serum albumin level with malnutrition or liver disease, and abdominal girth with gastrointestinal problems, none of which directly relate to the potential heart failure induced by amlodipine.

3. A 7-year-old with cystic fibrosis (CF) has received instructions about home care. Which statement made by the child's mother indicates that further teaching is needed?

• A. My child should not have a cough at all times
• B. He needs to take pancreatic enzymes with meals and snacks
• C. He needs to use a bronchodilator every day
• D. His dietary intake needs to be high in protein and calories

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. A cough at all times is not normal in a child with cystic fibrosis (CF) and indicates the need for further teaching on CF management. Choices B, C, and D are correct statements in managing CF: taking pancreatic enzymes with meals and snacks, using a bronchodilator daily, and maintaining a high-protein and high-calorie dietary intake are all appropriate for a child with CF.

4. A primigravida at term comes to the prenatal clinic and tells the nurse that she is having contractions every 5 min. The nurse monitors the client for one hour, using an external fetal monitor, and determines that the client’s contractions are 7 to 15 minutes apart, lasting 20 to 30 seconds, with mild intensity by palpation. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Tell the client to go directly to the hospital for admission to labor and delivery for active labor
• B. Send the client home and instruct her to call the clinic when her contractions occur 5 minutes apart for one hour
• C. Tell the client to check into the hospital within the next hour for evaluation of possible urinary tract infection
• D. Advise the client to rest and hydrate, then return if contractions become more regular

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The client should be instructed to call when contractions are 5 minutes apart for an hour to ensure she is in active labor before going to the hospital.

5. Assessment findings of a 3-hour-old newborn include: axillary temperature of 97.7°F, heart rate of 140 beats/minute with a soft murmur, and irregular respiratory rate at 42 breaths/min. Based on these findings, what action should the nurse implement?

• A. Place a pulse oximeter on the heel
• B. Swaddle the infant in a warm blanket
• C. Record the findings on the flow sheet
• D. Check the vital signs in 15 minutes

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to record the findings on the flow sheet. These assessment findings are within normal limits for a 3-hour-old newborn. The axillary temperature of 97.7°F, heart rate of 140 beats/minute with a soft murmur, and irregular respiratory rate of 42 breaths/min are all expected in a newborn. No immediate intervention is needed, so the nurse should document these normal findings for future reference. Placing a pulse oximeter on the heel or swaddling the infant in a warm blanket is not indicated as the vital signs are within normal limits. Checking the vital signs in 15 minutes is unnecessary since the current findings are normal.

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