Nursing Elites

1. Which medication is most likely to cause serious respiratory depression as a potential adverse reaction?

• A. Morphine
• B. Pentazocine
• C. Hydrocodone
• D. Nalmefene

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Morphine, as a strong opioid agonist, has the highest likelihood of causing serious respiratory depression due to its potent effects on the central nervous system. While Pentazocine and Hydrocodone can also cause respiratory depression, they are less likely to do so compared to morphine. Nalmefene, an opioid antagonist, is used to reverse respiratory depression caused by opioids rather than causing it.

2. Following a child's return from exploratory surgery due to a gunshot wound to the abdomen, which nursing intervention should be excluded from the plan of care?

• A. Immediate initiation of oral feedings
• B. Assessment of the surgical site
• C. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management
• D. Visitation at the bedside

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Immediate initiation of oral feedings should be excluded from the plan of care post-abdominal surgery due to the risk of bowel complications like paralytic ileus or anastomotic leak. Starting oral feedings immediately can increase these risks and hinder healing. It is crucial to wait until bowel function returns and the patient shows signs of tolerance before introducing oral feedings. Assessment of the surgical site is necessary to monitor for any signs of infection or complications. Administration of opioid narcotics for pain management is essential for ensuring the patient's comfort post-surgery. Visitation at the bedside provides emotional support and can aid in the patient's recovery. Therefore, the correct answer is to exclude immediate initiation of oral feedings.

3. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

• A. Calcium
• B. Magnesium
• C. Sodium
• D. Potassium

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should primarily monitor potassium levels in a patient taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. Glucocorticoids can lead to potassium loss, potentially increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Additionally, glucocorticoids may worsen hypokalemia induced by diuretics like thiazides and loops. While calcium, magnesium, and sodium are important electrolytes to monitor in various clinical situations, they are not the priority in this specific scenario of a patient on glucocorticoids and digoxin.

4. The nurse is providing care for a pediatric client in the emergency department (ED) with a diagnosis of decreased level of consciousness (LOC) secondary to increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Which healthcare provider order should the nurse question?

• A. Passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion
• B. Oxygen at 2 L nasal cannula to maintain saturation above 95%
• C. Hourly vital signs and neurologic checks
• D. Elevate head of bed 30 degrees

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In a pediatric client with increased intracranial pressure (ICP) and decreased level of consciousness (LOC), passive range-of-motion exercises to promote hip flexion should be questioned as they can potentially increase intracranial pressure. This action may not be safe for the client's condition. The other options are appropriate interventions for managing a pediatric client with increased ICP and decreased LOC.

5. When teaching a school-age child and the parent how to administer insulin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Store the insulin in the refrigerator after each use.
• B. Rotate injection sites each time you give the injection.
• C. You should give the insulin at room temperature.
• D. Administer the insulin within 30 minutes of each meal.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is essential to give insulin at room temperature to prevent discomfort during administration. Cold insulin can cause stinging and pain, which can be avoided by allowing the insulin to reach room temperature before administration. Storing insulin in the refrigerator is correct for long-term storage, but it should be brought to room temperature before use. Rotating injection sites is important to prevent lipohypertrophy, a condition characterized by fatty lumps that can develop if injections are consistently given in the same area. Administering insulin within 30 minutes of a meal is generally recommended to match the insulin peak action with the peak glucose levels after eating, but giving insulin at room temperature is more crucial to ensure comfort and proper absorption.

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