A client has a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?
- A. Potassium
- B. Sodium
- C. Calcium
- D. Hemoglobin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client is prescribed furosemide, monitoring potassium levels is crucial due to the drug's potential to cause hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that promotes potassium excretion in the urine, leading to a risk of low potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels helps in detecting and preventing hypokalemia, which can result in adverse effects like cardiac dysrhythmias. Sodium, calcium, and hemoglobin levels are usually not directly affected by furosemide, making them less pertinent for monitoring in this specific scenario.
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A client is receiving continuous IV nitroprusside for severe hypertension. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Keep calcium gluconate at the bedside.
- B. Monitor blood pressure every 2 hours.
- C. Limit IV exposure to light.
- D. Attach an inline filter to the IV tubing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to limit IV exposure to light. Nitroprusside is light-sensitive, and exposure to light can lead to its degradation, potentially reducing its efficacy in treating severe hypertension. Keeping calcium gluconate at the bedside (Choice A) is not directly related to managing nitroprusside infusion. While monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours (Choice B) is important in managing hypertension, it is not the immediate action required to ensure medication efficacy. Attaching an inline filter to the IV tubing (Choice D) may help filter particles but does not address the critical concern of light sensitivity associated with nitroprusside administration.
A client has a new prescription for nitroglycerin sublingual tablets. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. You should lie down before taking this medication.
- B. You should take this medication on an empty stomach.
- C. You should never take a double dose if you miss one.
- D. You should store this medication in its original container at room temperature.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed nitroglycerin sublingual tablets is to lie down before taking the medication. Nitroglycerin can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure leading to dizziness or fainting, so taking the medication while lying down helps prevent falls. Choice B is incorrect because nitroglycerin is usually taken on an empty stomach to enhance its absorption. Choice C is incorrect as taking a double dose of nitroglycerin can lead to low blood pressure and other adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as nitroglycerin sublingual tablets should be stored in their original container at room temperature away from light and moisture, not in the refrigerator.
A client has a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system. Which of the following actions should be taken?
- A. Clamp the chest tube during ambulation
- B. Keep the collection chamber below the level of the chest
- C. Add sterile water to the water-seal chamber
- D. Empty the collection chamber every 12 hours
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when caring for a client with a chest tube connected to a water-seal drainage system is to add sterile water to the water-seal chamber. This is necessary to maintain the correct water level for proper chest tube function. Clamping the chest tube during ambulation (Choice A) is incorrect as it can lead to complications by obstructing drainage. Keeping the collection chamber below the level of the chest (Choice B) is incorrect because it should be kept below the chest to facilitate drainage. Emptying the collection chamber every 12 hours (Choice D) is incorrect as it should be emptied whenever it reaches the fill line or as per facility policy, not on a fixed time schedule.
A client who has a new prescription for prednisone is being discharged. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I should take this medication with food.
- B. I will need to take this medication for the rest of my life.
- C. I should avoid crowded places while taking this medication.
- D. I will take this medication until my symptoms resolve.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients taking prednisone should avoid crowded places to reduce the risk of infection due to immunosuppression. Choice A is incorrect because prednisone should be taken with food to reduce stomach upset. Choice B is incorrect as prednisone is usually prescribed for a specific duration and not for life. Choice D is incorrect because prednisone should be taken as prescribed by the healthcare provider, which may not always align with symptom resolution.
A client reports intimate partner violence to a nurse. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Develop a safety plan with the client.
- B. Refer the client to a community support group.
- C. Determine if the client has any injuries.
- D. Ensure the client has access to legal services.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to develop a safety plan with the client. When a client reports intimate partner violence, the priority is ensuring their immediate safety. Developing a safety plan involves identifying safe places, emergency contacts, and strategies to protect the client from harm. Referring the client to a community support group (Choice B) can be helpful but not the immediate priority. While determining if the client has any injuries (Choice C) is important for assessing their physical well-being, the priority is to ensure their safety. Ensuring the client has access to legal services (Choice D) is crucial, but it is not the immediate priority when the client is at risk of violence.