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A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin. Which lab value should the nurse monitor to assess the effectiveness of this medication?
- A. Hemoglobin
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Platelet count
- D. INR
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D, INR (International Normalized Ratio). The INR is used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication commonly prescribed for conditions like atrial fibrillation. Monitoring the INR helps healthcare providers ensure that the blood is clotting within a therapeutic range. Hemoglobin (Choice A), white blood cell count (Choice B), and platelet count (Choice C) are not directly related to monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin therapy in this context.
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What safety measure should be implemented when administering chemotherapy?
- A. Use protective gloves and gown
- B. Prepare the medication in a designated area
- C. Administer the medication at the appropriate rate
- D. Verify the two client identifiers
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When administering chemotherapy, it is crucial to use protective gloves and a gown to protect against exposure to hazardous drugs that can be harmful through skin contact. Choice B is incorrect because chemotherapy medication should be prepared in a designated area to prevent contamination and ensure accurate preparation. Choice C is incorrect as chemotherapy should be administered at the appropriate rate to ensure patient safety and avoid adverse effects. Choice D is incorrect as verifying client identifiers is important for medication administration in general but not a specific safety measure related to chemotherapy administration.
A client with a history of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is being discharged with a prescription for epoetin alfa (Epogen). What should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
- A. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
- C. Expect to feel better immediately.
- D. Avoid foods high in potassium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Monitor your blood pressure regularly.' Epoetin alfa (Epogen) can lead to hypertension as a side effect, so it is essential for clients with CKD to monitor their blood pressure regularly. Choice A is incorrect because epoetin alfa does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Choice C is incorrect because the client should not expect immediate improvement upon starting the medication. Choice D is incorrect because while monitoring potassium intake is important in CKD, the question specifically pertains to epoetin alfa and its side effects, not potassium intake.
A client with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What is the primary action of this medication?
- A. Increases joint lubrication
- B. Reduces inflammation by suppressing the immune system
- C. Enhances bone density
- D. Stimulates cartilage regeneration
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Methotrexate is an immunosuppressant that works by suppressing the immune system, thereby reducing inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. Methotrexate does not directly increase joint lubrication (Choice A) as its primary action is on the immune system. Choices C and D are incorrect since methotrexate does not enhance bone density or stimulate cartilage regeneration. It is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the mechanism of action of medications to provide safe and effective care to patients.
A client is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Which instruction about insulin administration should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Rotate injection sites to prevent tissue damage
- B. Inject insulin into the same site to increase absorption
- C. Only use insulin pens
- D. Mix different types of insulin in the same syringe
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is to only use insulin pens. This is because insulin pens provide a convenient and accurate way to administer insulin. Rotating injection sites is important to prevent tissue damage and promote consistent insulin absorption, making choice A incorrect. Injecting insulin into the same site can lead to lipodystrophy and is not recommended, making choice B incorrect. Mixing different types of insulin in the same syringe can alter their action profiles and is generally not recommended, making choice D incorrect.
Which nursing activity is within the scope of practice for the practical nurse?
- A. Complete an admission assessment in the normal newborn nursery
- B. Discontinue a central venous catheter that has become dislodged
- C. Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump
- D. Monitor a continuous narcotic epidural for a postoperative client
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Observe a client rotate the subcutaneous site for an insulin pump.' This activity is within the scope of practice for a practical nurse as it involves observing and ensuring proper technique for using an insulin pump, which aligns with their training and responsibilities. Choices A, B, and D are beyond the typical scope of practice for a practical nurse. Completing an admission assessment for a newborn nursery is usually performed by a registered nurse. Discontinuing a dislodged central venous catheter and monitoring a narcotic epidural require advanced skills and knowledge, usually carried out by registered nurses or advanced practice nurses.