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. What is it called when the therapist adjusts the difficulty level of an activity to match the child's abilities by bringing a toy closer for them to successfully reach and grasp during therapy?

• A. Compensating
• B. Adapting
• C. Grading
• D. Modifying

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Grading. Grading involves adjusting the difficulty level of an activity to match the child's abilities. Bringing a toy closer for easier reach is an example of grading in therapy, helping the child succeed in reaching and grasping the toy within their current capabilities. Choice A, Compensating, implies making up for a deficit, which is not the case here. Choice B, Adapting, suggests changing the activity itself, not just the difficulty level. Choice D, Modifying, indicates altering the toy or the task itself, rather than adjusting the task's difficulty level.

3. During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, what action is crucial for a nurse to take?

• A. Administer meperidine for pain.
• B. Apply cold compresses to the child's joints.
• C. Limit the child's fluid intake.
• D. Maintain bed rest for the child.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: During a vaso-occlusive crisis in sickle cell anemia, maintaining bed rest is crucial to reduce oxygen consumption and alleviate pain. Movement can worsen the crisis by increasing sickling of red blood cells, leading to further tissue damage and pain. Bed rest helps to improve blood flow, reduce pain, and promote healing. Administering meperidine for pain (Choice A) is not recommended due to the risk of normeperidine accumulation and potential neurotoxicity. Applying cold compresses (Choice B) may cause vasoconstriction, worsening the vaso-occlusive crisis. Limiting fluid intake (Choice C) is not appropriate as adequate hydration is essential to prevent dehydration and maintain blood flow.

4. While caring for four different pediatric clients, which child is at the highest risk for dehydration?

• A. 7-year-old child with migraine headaches
• B. 4-year-old child with a broken arm
• C. 2-year-old child with cellulitis of the left leg
• D. 18-month-old child with tachypnea

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The 18-month-old child with tachypnea is at the highest risk for dehydration due to increased insensible water loss associated with rapid breathing.

5. The nurse is reviewing the home medication list with the patient. The nurse recognizes that hydrochlorothiazide is used primarily for which condition?

• A. Hypertension
• B. Edema
• C. Diabetes insipidus
• D. Protection against postmenopausal osteoporosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is primarily indicated for hypertension (HTN). Thiazides like hydrochlorothiazide are commonly the first-line treatment for hypertension. While hydrochlorothiazide can be used for edema, diabetes insipidus, and postmenopausal osteoporosis to some extent, its main use and efficacy lie in managing hypertension.

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