Nokea
A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for the administration of feedings and medications. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Pulverize all medications to a powdery condition
- B. Squeeze the tube before using it to break up stagnant liquids
- C. Cleanse the skin around the tube daily with hydrogen peroxide
- D. Flush adequately with water before and after using the tube
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flush adequately with water before and after using the tube. Flushing the tube before and after use not only provides for good tube maintenance, it is flushing that moves medications through. Not all medications should be crushed, for example sustained release preparations should not be cut or pulverized. Stagnant liquids are reduced by flushing after tube use. Cleansing is important, but soap and water are sufficient without the added irritation of hydrogen peroxide.
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The client with coronary artery disease is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor) to help decrease the client's cholesterol level. Which intervention should the nurse discuss with the client concerning this medication?
- A. The client should eat a low-cholesterol, low-fat diet.
- B. The client should take this medication with each meal.
- C. The client should take this medication in the evening.
- D. The client should monitor daily cholesterol levels.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Atorvastatin is most effective at night when cholesterol synthesis peaks, per pharmacodynamics. Diet is supportive, meals are irrelevant, and daily monitoring is impractical.
The nurse is preparing to administer Synthroid, a thyroid hormone replacement, to the client diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Which assessment data would indicate the client is receiving too much medication?
- A. Bradypnea and weight gain.
- B. Lethargy and hypotension.
- C. Irritability and tachycardia.
- D. Normothermia and constipation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Excess Synthroid causes hyperthyroidism symptoms like irritability and tachycardia. Bradypnea, lethargy, or constipation suggest hypothyroidism.
An adult client who has been taking furosemide (Lasix) 40 mg PO every day for several weeks is complaining of muscle weakness and lethargy. Which test will be of greatest value in assessing the client's condition?
- A. Serum electrolytes
- B. Urinalysis
- C. Serum creatinine
- D. Five-hour glucose tolerance test
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Furosemide can cause hypokalemia, leading to muscle weakness and lethargy; serum electrolytes assess potassium levels.
The nurse is assessing a client who is on long term glucocorticoid therapy. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?
- A. Buffalo hump
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Peripheral edema
- D. Jaundice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Buffalo hump. With high doses of glucocorticoid, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome develops. The exaggerated physiological action causes abnormal fat distribution which results in a moon-shaped face, an intrascapular pad on the neck (buffalo hump) and truncal obesity with slender limbs.
The nurse is caring for a child immediately after surgical correction of a ventricular septal defect. Which of the following nursing assessments should be a priority?
- A. Blanch nail beds for color and refill
- B. Assess for post-operative arrhythmias
- C. Auscultate for pulmonary congestion
- D. Monitor equality of peripheral pulses
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Assess for post-operative arrhythmias. The atrioventricular bundle (bundle of His), a part of the electrical conduction system of the heart, extends from the atrioventricular node along each side of the interventricular septum and then divides into right and left bundle branches. Surgical repair of a ventricular septal defect consists of a purse-string approach or a patch sewn over the opening.