Nursing Elites

1. Which statement should the nurse include in the teaching plan for a patient being started on levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) for newly diagnosed Parkinson�s disease?

• A. Take medication on a full stomach
• B. Change positions slowly
• C. The drug may cause the urine to be very dilute
• D. Carbidopa has many adverse effects

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Postural hypotension is common early in treatment, so the patient should be instructed to change positions slowly. Administration with meals should be avoided, if possible, because food delays the absorption of the levodopa component. If the patient is experiencing side effects of nausea and vomiting, administration with food may be considered. The levodopa component may darken urine. Carbidopa has no adverse effects of its own.

2. In an immunization clinic, which patient will the nurse identify as not eligible to receive routine immunizations?

• A. An 8-year-old experiencing diarrhea
• B. A 2-year-old with a history of pre-term birth
• C. A 4-year-old with a fever and upper respiratory tract infection
• D. A 6-year-old who has been recently exposed to a classmate with chickenpox

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The nurse should identify the 4-year-old with a fever and upper respiratory tract infection as not eligible to receive routine immunizations. It is contraindicated to administer vaccines in the presence of moderate to severe illness, whether with or without fever, to prevent potential complications or reduced vaccine efficacy.

3. The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system plays an important role in maintaining blood pressure. Which compound in this system is most powerful at raising blood pressure?

• A. Angiotensin I
• B. Angiotensin II
• C. Angiotensin III
• D. Renin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Angiotensin II is the most potent compound in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system for raising blood pressure. It acts as a powerful vasoconstrictor, leading to increased systemic vascular resistance. Angiotensin II is formed from angiotensin I through the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme. While renin initiates the cascade by converting angiotensinogen to angiotensin I, it is angiotensin II that exerts the strongest pressor effect.

4. 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.

5. When caring for a child with hyponatremia, a nurse delegates care to a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) and instructs the LVN to promptly report which clinical manifestation?

• A. Seizures
• B. Respiratory distress
• C. Hyperthermia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Seizures are a significant concern in severe hyponatremia as they indicate potential neurological complications and the need for urgent intervention to prevent further harm to the child. Prompt reporting of seizures allows for timely assessment and appropriate treatment to ensure the child's safety and well-being.

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