A client with cirrhosis of the liver is experiencing pruritus. Which intervention should the nurse implement to help relieve the client's symptoms?
- A. Administer acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- B. Apply lotion to the skin.
- C. Encourage a high-protein diet.
- D. Provide a warm bath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Apply lotion to the skin. Pruritus in cirrhosis is often due to dry skin. Applying lotion helps hydrate the skin, reducing itching. Acetaminophen (A) can worsen liver damage. High-protein diet (C) is not directly related to pruritus relief. Warm bath (D) may further dry the skin.
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A client with peptic ulcer disease is prescribed omeprazole (Prilosec). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Take the medication as needed for pain relief.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take the medication on an empty stomach. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works best when taken on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before meals. This allows the medication to be absorbed effectively and provides optimal therapeutic effects in reducing stomach acid production. Taking it with food (choice A) may decrease its efficacy. Taking it at bedtime (choice B) is not ideal as it may not coincide with the peak acid production in the stomach. Taking it as needed for pain relief (choice D) is not appropriate as omeprazole is a scheduled medication for the management of peptic ulcer disease, not for immediate pain relief.
A client with newly diagnosed diabetes mellitus is receiving teaching on foot care. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Walk barefoot whenever possible to toughen your feet.
- B. Soak your feet in hot water daily to improve circulation.
- C. Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
- D. Use a heating pad to keep your feet warm.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Trim your toenails straight across to prevent ingrown toenails.
Rationale:
1. Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown nails.
2. Ingrown nails can lead to infection, especially risky for diabetics due to poor wound healing.
3. Walking barefoot toughens feet, increasing risk of injury.
4. Soaking in hot water can cause burns or skin damage.
5. Using a heating pad can lead to burns or decreased sensation in feet, increasing injury risk.
Summary:
Option C is correct as it directly addresses a common issue in diabetic foot care - ingrown toenails. Options A, B, and D pose risks of injury or damage to the feet, which is detrimental for diabetic individuals.
A client with a history of gout is experiencing an acute attack. Which medication should the nurse expect the healthcare provider to prescribe?
- A. Aspirin.
- B. Allopurinol (Zyloprim).
- C. Colchicine.
- D. Probenecid (Benemid).
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Colchicine. Colchicine is used to treat acute gout attacks by reducing inflammation and pain. It works by decreasing the inflammatory response to urate crystals in the joints. Aspirin (choice A) is not recommended for gout treatment as it can worsen symptoms. Allopurinol (choice B) and Probenecid (choice D) are used for long-term management of gout by reducing uric acid levels and preventing future attacks, not for acute attacks. Colchicine is the appropriate choice for treating the client's acute gout symptoms.
A client with chronic renal failure is scheduled to receive epoetin alfa (Epogen). Which laboratory result should the nurse review before administering the medication?
- A. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
- B. Creatinine clearance
- C. Hemoglobin level
- D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hemoglobin level. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys may not produce enough erythropoietin, leading to anemia. Epoetin alfa stimulates red blood cell production. Therefore, reviewing the hemoglobin level is crucial to determine the need for the medication.
Incorrect choices:
A: Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and B: Creatinine clearance are indicators of kidney function but not directly related to monitoring the effectiveness of epoetin alfa.
D: Serum potassium is important in renal failure but not specifically needed to review before administering epoetin alfa.
The client with bacterial pneumonia is receiving intravenous antibiotics. Which assessment finding indicates that the treatment is effective?
- A. Increased respiratory rate.
- B. Decreased oxygen saturation.
- C. Clear lung sounds.
- D. Elevated white blood cell count.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Clear lung sounds. Clear lung sounds indicate effective treatment as they suggest improved air exchange and resolution of lung congestion caused by pneumonia. Increased respiratory rate (A) and decreased oxygen saturation (B) are signs of respiratory distress and ineffective treatment. Elevated white blood cell count (D) indicates ongoing infection, not effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, clear lung sounds are the best indicator of treatment effectiveness in bacterial pneumonia.