Nursing Elites

1. Which of the following interventions is most appropriate for a patient with acute pancreatitis?

• A. Administering oral fluids.
• B. Administering IV fluids.
• C. Administering analgesics.
• D. Encouraging the patient to ambulate.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The most appropriate intervention for a patient with acute pancreatitis is administering IV fluids. IV fluid administration is crucial in managing acute pancreatitis as it helps maintain hydration, correct electrolyte imbalances, and prevent shock. Administering oral fluids (Choice A) may not be sufficient to address the fluid loss and maintain hydration in these patients. While analgesics (Choice C) are important for pain management in pancreatitis, addressing hydration and shock prevention takes precedence. Encouraging the patient to ambulate (Choice D) may be beneficial in some cases for preventing complications like deep vein thrombosis, but it is not the primary intervention needed in the acute phase of pancreatitis.

2. The nurse is preparing to administer clarithromycin to a patient. When performing a medication history, the nurse learns that the patient takes warfarin to treat atrial fibrillation. The nurse will perform which action?

• A. Ask the provider if azithromycin may be used instead of clarithromycin.
• B. Obtain an order for continuous cardiovascular monitoring.
• C. Request an order for periodic serum warfarin levels.
• D. Withhold the clarithromycin and notify the provider.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a patient taking warfarin also needs to receive clarithromycin, it is essential to monitor periodic serum warfarin levels. Macrolides, including clarithromycin, can increase serum levels of drugs like warfarin. Monitoring serum drug levels helps ensure that the patient's warfarin dose can be adjusted, if necessary, to maintain therapeutic levels. Asking about using azithromycin instead is not the most appropriate action in this situation, as all macrolides can interact with warfarin. Continuous cardiovascular monitoring is not indicated solely based on the use of clarithromycin. Withholding the clarithromycin without proper assessment could delay necessary treatment and is not the best initial action.

3. A client is getting out of bed for the first time since surgery. The client complains of dizziness after the nurse raises the head of the bed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

• A. Checking the client’s blood pressure
• B. Checking the oxygen saturation level
• C. Having the client take some deep breaths
• D. Lowering the head of the bed slowly until the dizziness is relieved

Correct answer: D

Rationale: When a client experiences dizziness after being positioned upright for the first time post-surgery, the initial action the nurse should take is to lower the head of the bed slowly until the dizziness subsides. This maneuver helps alleviate the dizziness by allowing the body to adapt gradually to the change in position. Subsequently, the nurse should assess the client's pulse and blood pressure. Checking the blood pressure is essential to evaluate the circulatory status and rule out orthostatic hypotension as a cause of dizziness. Checking the oxygen saturation level and having the client take deep breaths are not the priority in this scenario as the primary concern is addressing the circulatory issue causing dizziness, not a respiratory problem.

4. When a young client being taught to use an inhaler for asthma symptoms states the intention to use the inhaler but plans to continue smoking cigarettes, what is the best initial action by the nurse?

• A. Inform the healthcare provider of the client's statement.
• B. Explain that denial of illness can interfere with the treatment regimen.
• C. Revise the plan of care based on the client's plans to continue smoking.
• D. Review factors surrounding the client's beliefs about smoking cessation.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best initial action by the nurse when a client expresses plans to use an inhaler for asthma symptoms but continue smoking cigarettes is to address denial. By explaining that denial of illness can interfere with the treatment regimen, the nurse educates the client about the impact of smoking on asthma treatment. This approach helps the client understand the importance of smoking cessation in managing asthma symptoms. Informing the healthcare provider (Choice A) may be necessary but is not the initial action in this scenario. Revising the plan of care (Choice C) should be considered after addressing the client's denial and educating them. Reviewing factors surrounding the client's beliefs about smoking cessation (Choice D) is relevant but not the best initial action when denial is identified.

5. When performing a health history on a patient who is to begin receiving a thiazide diuretic to treat heart failure, the nurse will be concerned about a history of which condition?

• A. Asthma
• B. Glaucoma
• C. Gout
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Thiazide diuretics block uric acid secretion, leading to elevated levels that can contribute to gout. Therefore, patients with a history of gout should take thiazide diuretics with caution. Asthma (Choice A), Glaucoma (Choice B), and Hypertension (Choice D) are not directly contraindicated with thiazide diuretics, making choices A, B, and D incorrect.

Similar Questions