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A client with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. Which electrolyte imbalance should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hypokalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyponatremia. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, potentially leading to hyponatremia, which is a condition characterized by low sodium levels. This imbalance requires close monitoring as it can lead to symptoms such as confusion, weakness, and even seizures. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because lithium is not primarily associated with causing hypokalemia, hypercalcemia, or hypernatremia. While these imbalances can occur in certain conditions or with other medications, the main electrolyte imbalance to monitor when a client is prescribed lithium is hyponatremia.
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The healthcare provider plans to assess a newborn and check the infant's Moro reflex. What is the healthcare provider evaluating?
- A. Neurological integrity
- B. Renal functioning
- C. Thermoregulation
- D. Respiratory adequacy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The Moro reflex is an instinctive response observed in newborns, indicating their neurological integrity. This reflex is evaluated by eliciting a startle response in the infant, involving the sudden extension and abduction of the limbs, followed by their retraction. This assessment helps in determining the proper functioning of the infant's nervous system and brain. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not relate to the evaluation of the Moro reflex. Renal functioning pertains to kidney function, thermoregulation refers to temperature control, and respiratory adequacy involves assessing breathing and oxygenation levels, none of which are evaluated through the Moro reflex.
The nurse is caring for a client who is postoperative following a hip replacement. Which intervention is most important to prevent dislocation of the prosthesis?
- A. Keep the client in a low Fowler's position.
- B. Maintain hip abduction with pillows.
- C. Encourage early ambulation.
- D. Place the client in a prone position.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Maintaining hip abduction with pillows is the most important intervention to prevent dislocation of the hip prosthesis postoperatively. This position helps keep the hip joint stable and prevents excessive internal rotation, which can lead to dislocation. Keeping the client in a low Fowler's position (Choice A) does not provide the necessary support and stability for the hip joint. While early ambulation (Choice C) is important for preventing complications such as blood clots and promoting circulation, it is not the most crucial intervention for preventing dislocation. Placing the client in a prone position (Choice D) can be harmful and increase the risk of dislocation.
A client has a prescription for enteric-coated (EC) aspirin 325mg PO daily. The medication drawer contains one 325mg aspirin. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Contact the pharmacy and request the prescribed form of aspirin
- B. Instruct the client about the effects of the medication
- C. Administer the aspirin with a full glass of water or a small snack
- D. Withhold the aspirin until consulting with the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take is to contact the pharmacy and request the prescribed form of aspirin. Enteric-coated medications are designed to dissolve in the intestine, not the stomach, to avoid irritation. Therefore, it is essential to ensure the client receives the correct form of aspirin as prescribed. Instructing the client about the effects of the medication (choice B) is not necessary at this point as the issue is related to the form of the aspirin. Administering the aspirin with a full glass of water or a small snack (choice C) is not appropriate as it does not address the need for the correct form of the medication. Withholding the aspirin (choice D) without consulting the healthcare provider is not advisable as it may lead to a delay in the client receiving the necessary medication.
A client presents to the emergency department with symptoms of a myocardial infarction. What should the nurse administer immediately under doctor's orders?
- A. Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting
- B. High-flow oxygen
- C. Intravenous fluids
- D. Nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirin to prevent further blood clotting. Administering aspirin is crucial in the immediate management of a myocardial infarction as it helps prevent further blood clot formation, which is a key component in the treatment and prevention of myocardial infarction. Oxygen therapy (Choice B) is often provided, but aspirin takes precedence due to its role in reducing clot formation. Intravenous fluids (Choice C) may be needed but are not the immediate priority in this situation. Nitroglycerin (Choice D) is commonly used for chest pain relief in myocardial infarction but is not the first medication to be administered in this scenario.
The nurse is caring for a client with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder who has been prescribed fluoxetine (Prozac). What is the most important teaching point?
- A. Take the medication with or without food.
- B. Report any increase in suicidal thoughts.
- C. Avoid foods high in tyramine.
- D. Expect improvement within 24 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct teaching point is to instruct the client to report any increase in suicidal thoughts. This is crucial because SSRIs like fluoxetine can initially increase suicidal ideation, especially at the beginning of treatment. Choice A is corrected to emphasize that fluoxetine can be taken with or without food. Choice C is unrelated as it pertains more to MAOIs than SSRIs like fluoxetine. Choice D is inaccurate as antidepressants like fluoxetine may take weeks to show significant improvement in symptoms, not within 24 hours.