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A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL.
- B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 200 mg/dL.
- C. Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL.
- D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 40 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: LDL of 200 mg/dL. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for CAD and require immediate intervention. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used to lower LDL levels. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
A: Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL is within the normal range and doesn't require immediate intervention.
C: Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are also within the normal range and don't pose an immediate risk.
D: HDL of 40 mg/dL is considered low, but it is not as critical as high LDL levels in the context of CAD.
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A client who participates in a health maintenance organization (HMO) needs a bone marrow transplant for the treatment of breast cancer. The client tells the nurse that she is concerned that her HMO may deny her claim. What action by the nurse best addresses the client's need at this time?
- A. Have the client's healthcare provider write a letter to the HMO explaining the need for the transplant.
- B. Help the client place a call to the HMO to seek information about limitations of coverage.
- C. Encourage the client to contact a lawyer to file a lawsuit against the HMO if necessary.
- D. Have the social worker contact the state board of insurance to register a complaint against the HMO.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Help the client place a call to the HMO to seek information about limitations of coverage. This is the best action because it directly addresses the client's concern by clarifying the coverage for the bone marrow transplant. By contacting the HMO, the client can get accurate information on whether the transplant is covered and what steps need to be taken for approval. This empowers the client to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare.
Choice A is incorrect because having the healthcare provider write a letter may not directly address the client's concerns about coverage. Choice C is incorrect as contacting a lawyer should be a last resort after exploring other options. Choice D is incorrect as involving the state board of insurance is not necessary at this stage and may escalate the situation unnecessarily.
A client with chronic pain is prescribed a fentanyl (Duragesic) patch. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?
- A. Apply the patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin.
- B. Use a heating pad over the patch to enhance absorption.
- C. Change the patch daily to maintain effectiveness.
- D. Place the patch on the same site with each application.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Applying the fentanyl patch to a clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin ensures proper absorption and effectiveness. Moisture, oils, and hair can interfere with absorption. Option B is incorrect as heating pads can increase drug absorption and lead to overdose. Option C is incorrect because fentanyl patches are usually changed every 72 hours, not daily. Option D is incorrect because rotating application sites helps prevent skin irritation and tolerance development.
A client with a history of asthma is prescribed salmeterol (Serevent). Which instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Use this medication for acute asthma attacks.
- B. Use this medication before using your albuterol inhaler.
- C. Use this medication twice daily for long-term control.
- D. Use this medication as needed for wheezing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction is C: Use this medication twice daily for long-term control. Salmeterol is a long-acting beta-agonist used for maintenance therapy in asthma to provide long-term control of symptoms and prevent exacerbations. It should not be used for acute asthma attacks as it does not provide quick relief like rescue inhalers such as albuterol (choice A). It is not meant to replace albuterol, so it should not be used before using albuterol (choice B). Using salmeterol as needed for wheezing (choice D) is not appropriate as it is a maintenance medication and not a rescue medication.
The nurse is planning care for a client with cirrhosis of the liver. Which intervention should the nurse include to reduce the risk of bleeding?
- A. Monitor for signs of infection.
- B. Limit the client's dietary protein intake.
- C. Administer vitamin K as prescribed.
- D. Encourage the client to increase fluid intake.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C - Administer vitamin K as prescribed.
Rationale:
1. Cirrhosis impairs liver function, leading to decreased synthesis of clotting factors, increasing the risk of bleeding.
2. Vitamin K is essential for synthesizing clotting factors; administering it helps improve clotting ability.
3. Monitoring for infection (A) is important but does not directly address the clotting issue.
4. Limiting protein intake (B) is not necessary for bleeding prevention in cirrhosis.
5. Encouraging fluid intake (D) is important for overall health but does not specifically reduce the risk of bleeding.
A client with type 2 diabetes mellitus presents to the clinic with a foot ulcer. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client to promote healing of the ulcer?
- A. Apply a heating pad to the ulcer twice daily.
- B. Wear tight-fitting shoes to protect the ulcer.
- C. Keep the ulcer clean and dry.
- D. Limit walking to reduce pressure on the ulcer.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Keep the ulcer clean and dry. This instruction is essential for promoting healing of the foot ulcer in a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Keeping the ulcer clean helps prevent infection, while keeping it dry promotes a better environment for healing.
A: Applying a heating pad can increase the risk of burns and should be avoided.
B: Wearing tight-fitting shoes can cause further damage and hinder healing.
D: Limiting walking may reduce pressure on the ulcer, but mobility is important for circulation and overall health. Keeping the ulcer clean and dry is the most critical instruction.