Nokea
Amitriptyline (Elavil) is prescribed for a patient with chronic pain from fibromyalgia. When the nurse explains that this drug is an antidepressant, the patient states that she is in pain, not depressed. What is the nurse’s best response to the patient?
- A. Antidepressants will improve the patient’s attitude and prevent a negative emotional response to the pain.
- B. Chronic pain almost always leads to depression, and the use of this drug will prevent depression from occurring.
- C. Some antidepressant drugs relieve pain by releasing neurotransmitters that prevent pain impulses from reaching the brain.
- D. Certain antidepressant drugs are metabolized in the liver to substances that numb the ends of nerve fibers, preventing the onset of pain.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Amitriptyline relieves pain by modulating neurotransmitter release, not solely by treating depression.
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What are the recommendations that can help develop culturally sensitive nursing care?
- A. Learn about different cultures,avoid stereotypes and involve clients in decision-making.
- B. Focus solely on universal care standards.
- C. Ignore cultural differences.
- D. All of the above.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Understanding cultural nuances and involving clients in care decisions enhances cultural competence and improves outcomes.
Which nursing interventions should not be delegated to unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) but should be performed by the RN (select all that apply)?
- A. Administering patient medications
- B. Ambulating stable patients
- C. Performing patient assessment
- D. Evaluating the effectiveness of patient care
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Medication administration, assessment, evaluation, and teaching require the RN's specialized knowledge and accountability.
The patient experiences sudden pain in his right calf while sitting at home. He is diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The first intervention is to
- A. Apply ice packs to the affected area every 4 to 6 hours.
- B. Increase dietary intake of foods rich in vitamin K.
- C. Monitor platelet counts daily.
- D. Use intermittent warm soaks of the affected area.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Monitoring platelets is crucial when anticoagulants are administered.
What should be included in Mr. Ross’s plan of care during radiation therapy if he complains of weakness and lethargy?
- A. Encouraging him to rest more than usual
- B. Monitoring his intake and output
- C. Helping him to accept his condition
- D. Checking his blood pressure daily
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rest conserves energy and aids recovery during radiation therapy.
A client was exposed to anthrax. Which of the following antibiotics should the nurse plan to administer?
- A. Ciprofloxacin
- B. Fluconazole
- C. Tobramycin
- D. Vancomycin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ciprofloxacin. Anthrax is caused by the bacterium Bacillus anthracis, and ciprofloxacin is the recommended antibiotic for treating anthrax due to its effectiveness against this specific bacterium. Ciprofloxacin works by inhibiting bacterial DNA replication, thus stopping the growth and spread of the anthrax bacteria.
The other choices are incorrect because:
B: Fluconazole is an antifungal medication and is not effective against bacterial infections like anthrax.
C: Tobramycin is an antibiotic primarily used to treat bacterial infections in the eyes, ears, and skin, but it is not the first-line treatment for anthrax.
D: Vancomycin is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, but it is not the preferred choice for anthrax treatment.