A nurse is preparing to administer subcutaneous heparin to a client. Which of the following should the nurse take?
- A. Massage the site after administering the medication
- B. Use a 21-gauge needle for the injection
- C. Aspirate before injecting the medication
- D. Insert the needle at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Insert the needle at least 5 cm (2 in) from the umbilicus. This is crucial to prevent any potential harm to the abdominal organs located around the umbilicus. Inserting the needle too close could lead to injury or bleeding. Massaging the site after administering (A) is not recommended as it can cause bruising or discomfort. Using a 21-gauge needle (B) is not specified for subcutaneous heparin injections. Aspirating before injecting (C) is not necessary for subcutaneous injections, as the risk of hitting a blood vessel is low.
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A nurse is caring for a client who has breast cancer and reports pain. 1 hr after administration of prescribed morphine 10 mg IV. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer?
- A. Naloxone IV
- B. Morphine tablet
- C. Lidocaine patch
- D. Fentanyl transmucosal
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fentanyl transmucosal. Fentanyl is a potent opioid used for severe pain, and transmucosal administration provides rapid relief. Naloxone (A) is an opioid antagonist used to reverse opioid overdose, not for pain management. Morphine tablet (B) is not indicated for immediate relief after IV morphine. Lidocaine patch (C) is used for localized pain, not post-IV opioid pain control. Therefore, fentanyl transmucosal (D) is the most appropriate choice for rapid pain relief in this scenario.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for theophylline, a sustained-released capsule. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I can take my medication in the morning with my coffee.
- B. I may sprinkle the medication in applesauce.
- C. I should limit my fluid intake while on this medication.
- D. I will need to have blood levels drawn.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Answer D is correct because monitoring blood levels is crucial for theophylline therapy due to its narrow therapeutic range. Regular monitoring helps ensure the drug is at a safe and effective level in the body. Taking the medication with food or fluids, as indicated in choices A and C, can affect its absorption or metabolism, leading to suboptimal effects or toxicity. Sprinkling the medication in applesauce, as in choice B, can alter the drug's sustained-release mechanism, causing rapid release and possible adverse effects. Therefore, choice D is the best option for ensuring theophylline therapy's safety and efficacy.
A nurse is caring for a client in a provider's office. Which of the following statements should the nurse include when teaching the client about the prescribed medication? Select all that apply.
- A. The medication can cause nausea, so take with a meal
- B. You can experience vivid nightmares."
- C. You may notice your urine becomes lighter in color
- D. Consumption of a high protein meal can reduce the effectiveness of the medication
- E. You may initially notice an increase in involuntary movements
- F. This medication can make you light-headed if you stand up too quickly from a seated or lying position
Correct Answer: A, B, E, F
Rationale: Correct Answer: A, B, E, F
Rationale:
A: Taking the medication with a meal can help reduce nausea, enhancing tolerance.
B: Mentioning vivid nightmares prepares the client for a potential side effect.
E: Increase in involuntary movements is a common side effect of certain medications.
F: Informing about potential dizziness upon standing up quickly promotes safety.
These statements address medication effects and side effects, promoting client understanding and safety.
Incorrect Choices:
C: Urine color change may not be relevant to the medication being discussed.
D: High protein meal interaction is not mentioned for this medication.
Incorrect choices lack relevance or do not address potential medication effects, making them not suitable for client education.
A nurse manager is planning an in-service about pain management with opioids for clients who have cancer. Which of the following information should the nurse manager include?
- A. IM administration is recommended if PO opioids are ineffective
- B. Respiratory depression decreases as opioid tolerance develops
- C. Meperidine is the opioid of choice for treating chronic pain
- D. Withhold PRN pain medication for the client who is receiving opioids every 6 hr
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because respiratory depression decreases as opioid tolerance develops. Opioid tolerance occurs with prolonged use, leading to a decrease in the side effect of respiratory depression. This information is crucial for healthcare providers managing cancer pain with opioids. Choice A is incorrect because oral administration is preferred over intramuscular for better absorption and convenience. Choice C is incorrect as meperidine is not recommended for chronic pain due to its toxic metabolite. Choice D is incorrect as PRN pain medication should not be withheld for clients on scheduled opioid doses to ensure adequate pain control.
A nurse is monitoring laboratory values for a client who has chronic heart failure and is receiving digoxin. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL
- B. Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L
- C. BUN level 10 mg/dL
- D. Potassium 2.9 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Potassium 2.9 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can predispose the client to digoxin toxicity, leading to potentially life-threatening arrhythmias. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin binding to cardiac tissue, enhancing its toxic effects. The nurse should report this value to the provider immediately for prompt intervention to prevent complications.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Sodium 1.38 mEq/dL - Low sodium levels are not directly related to digoxin toxicity.
B: Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L - While magnesium levels are important for cardiac function, they are not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as potassium.
C: BUN level 10 mg/dL - BUN levels are not specific indicators of digoxin toxicity.
Summary: Potassium levels are crucial to monitor in clients taking digoxin due to the risk of toxicity. Sodium, magnesium, and BUN levels are important but not as