Nokea
A client seeks treatment in an ambulatory clinic for hoarseness that has persisted for 8 weeks. Based on the symptom, the nurse interprets that the client is at risk for which disorder?
- A. Thyroid cancer
- B. Acute laryngitis
- C. Laryngeal cancer
- D. Bronchogenic cancer
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hoarseness is a common early sign of laryngeal cancer, but not of thyroid or bronchogenic cancer. Hoarseness that persists for 8 weeks is not associated with an acute problem, such as laryngitis.
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A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis is experiencing prolonged periods of weakness, and the primary health care provider prescribes an edrophonium test, also known as a Tensilon test. A test dose is administered and the client becomes weaker. How should the nurse interpret these results?
- A. Myasthenic crisis is present.
- B. Cholinergic crisis is present.
- C. This result is a normal finding.
- D. This result is a positive finding.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: An edrophonium test may be performed to determine whether increasing weakness in a client with previously diagnosed myasthenic is a result of cholinergic crisis (overmedication) with anticholinesterase medications or myasthenic crisis (undermedication). Worsening of the symptoms after the test dose of medication is administered indicates a cholinergic crisis.
The primary health care provider prescribes a dose of intravenous (IV) potassium chloride for a client. When administering the IV potassium chloride, which action should the nurse take?
- A. Inject it as a bolus.
- B. Use a filter in the IV line.
- C. Dilute it per medication instructions.
- D. Apply cool compresses to the IV site.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Potassium chloride is very irritating to the vein and must be diluted to prevent phlebitis and is administered using an IV pump. Potassium chloride is never administered as a bolus injection because it can cause cardiac arrest. A filter is not necessary for potassium solutions. Cool compresses would constrict the blood vessel, which could possibly be more irritating to the vein.
To assure the desired results, how should the nurse instruct the client prescribed oral bisacodyl to take the medication?
- A. At bedtime
- B. With a large meal
- C. With a glass of milk
- D. On an empty stomach
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Bisacodyl is a stimulant laxative that works by stimulating peristalsis in the colon. To ensure its effectiveness, it should be taken at bedtime to produce a bowel movement in the morning, typically 6 to 12 hours after administration. Taking it with a large meal or milk may reduce its effectiveness due to delayed gastric emptying or interaction with food. Taking it on an empty stomach may cause stomach irritation and is not necessary for its action.
As the nurse begins to administer scheduled doses of furosemide and nifedipine, the client asks for a PRN dose of aluminum hydroxide. Which action by the nurse would be best ensure the effectiveness of all the medications?
- A. Assess the client's immediate need for the antacid.
- B. Administer all three medications at the same time.
- C. Administer the nifedipine and aluminum hydroxide, then the furosemide 1 hour later.
- D. Administer the furosemide and aluminum hydroxide, then the nifedipine 1 hour later.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Antacids such as aluminum hydroxide often interfere with the absorption of other medications. For this reason, antacids should be separated from other medications by at least 1 hour. Because of the diuretic action of the furosemide and the antihypertensive action of the nifedipine, it is important to administer them on time if the client can tolerate waiting for the aluminum hydroxide. The nurse should assess the client to determine the need for the antacid.
A client has been taking a prescribed calcium channel blocker therapy for approximately 2 months. The home care nurse monitoring the effects of therapy should determine that drug tolerance has developed if which is noted in the client?
- A. Decrease in weight
- B. Increased joint pain
- C. Output greater than intake
- D. Gradual rise in blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Drug tolerance can develop in a client taking an antihypertensive such as a calcium channel blocker, which is evident by rising blood pressure levels. The primary health care provider should be notified, who may then increase the medication dosage, change medication, or add a diuretic to the medication regimen. The client is also at risk of developing fluid retention, which would be manifested as dependent edema, intake greater than output, and an increase in weight. Joint pain is not associated with this form of tolerance.