A nurse is reviewing the prescriptions for a client who is pregnant and is taking digoxin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to best evaluate the client’s medication adherence?
- A. Ask the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed.
- B. Assess the client’s kidney function.
- C. Determine the client’s apical pulse rate.
- D. Check the client’s serum medication level.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check the client’s serum medication level. This is the best way to evaluate medication adherence for a client taking digoxin during pregnancy. Digoxin has a narrow therapeutic range, and monitoring the serum level helps ensure the client is taking the medication as prescribed. Option A is not as reliable as self-reporting may not be accurate. Option B, assessing kidney function, is important but not directly related to medication adherence. Option C, determining the apical pulse rate, may indicate the medication's effectiveness but does not confirm adherence. Checking the serum medication level directly assesses the actual drug concentration in the body, providing concrete evidence of adherence.
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A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postpartum and breastfeeding her newborn. The client reports sore nipples. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
- A. Instruct the client to wait 4 hr between daytime feedings.
- B. Assess the newborn's latch while breastfeeding.
- C. Have the client limit the length of breastfeeding to 5 min per breast.
- D. Offer supplemental formula between the newborn's feedings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Assess the newborn's latch while breastfeeding. Sore nipples in breastfeeding mothers are often caused by improper latch. By assessing the newborn's latch, the nurse can identify any issues and provide guidance to the client on how to improve latch technique, which can alleviate nipple soreness. Waiting 4 hours between feedings (choice A) can lead to engorgement and decreased milk supply. Limiting breastfeeding time to 5 min per breast (choice C) can also affect milk supply. Offering supplemental formula (choice D) can interfere with establishing successful breastfeeding.
A nurse is assessing a newborn whose mother had gestational diabetes mellitus. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as a manifestation of hypoglycemia?
- A. Abdominal distention
- B. Petechiae
- C. Increased muscle tone
- D. Jitteriness
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Jitteriness. Neonates born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at risk for hypoglycemia due to the abrupt cessation of the maternal glucose supply postnatally. Jitteriness is a common manifestation of hypoglycemia in newborns. It is important for the nurse to monitor for this sign as it indicates the need for prompt intervention to prevent further complications. Abdominal distention, petechiae, and increased muscle tone are not typically associated with hypoglycemia in newborns born to mothers with gestational diabetes.
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving an epidural block with an opioid analgesic. The nurse should monitor for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Bilateral crackles
- C. Hypotension
- D. Polyuria
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Correct Answer: C (Hypotension)
Rationale: Opioid analgesics can cause vasodilation leading to hypotension. The epidural route can potentiate this effect due to direct spinal cord vasodilation. Monitoring for hypotension is crucial to prevent adverse outcomes such as decreased perfusion.
Incorrect Choices:
A: Hyperglycemia - Opioid analgesics typically do not cause hyperglycemia.
B: Bilateral crackles - Crackles are indicative of fluid accumulation in the lungs, not a typical adverse effect of opioid analgesics.
D: Polyuria - Opioid analgesics do not commonly cause increased urine output.
A nurse is assessing a client who is 3 days postpartum. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Cool, clammy skin
- B. Moderate lochia serosa
- C. Heart rate 89/min
- D. BP 120/70 mm Hg
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cool, clammy skin. This finding may indicate hypovolemic shock, a serious condition postpartum. The nurse should report this to the provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention. Choice B, moderate lochia serosa, is a normal finding 3 days postpartum. Choice C, heart rate 89/min, and choice D, BP 120/70 mm Hg, are within normal ranges for a postpartum client and do not require immediate reporting.
A nurse is providing prenatal teaching to a client who practices a vegan diet and is trying to increase intake of vitamin B12. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?
- A. Fortified soy milk
- B. Raw carrots
- C. Fresh citrus fruits
- D. Brown rice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Fortified soy milk. Soy milk is often fortified with vitamin B12, making it a suitable option for a client following a vegan diet. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal products, so vegans need to ensure they get an adequate intake from fortified foods or supplements. Raw carrots (B), fresh citrus fruits (C), and brown rice (D) do not contain significant amounts of vitamin B12 and would not be effective in increasing intake. A detailed explanation is crucial in guiding the client to make informed choices for their dietary needs.