Nokea
An elderly patient has been taking 80 mg of furosemide (Lasix) bid. The nurse notes that the patient's most recent potassium level is 2.5mEq/L. The nurse should:
- A. Continue the medication as ordered
- B. Administer the morning dose only
- C. Give the medication with orange juice
- D. Withhold the medication and notify the physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a serious side effect of furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the physician to address the electrolyte imbalance.
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Before administering eardrops to a toddler,the nurse should recognize that it is essential to consider which of the following?
- A. Age
- B. Weight
- C. Developmental level
- D. Ability to understand
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The toddler’s developmental level affects cooperation and ability to follow instructions during eardrop administration. Age is a factor but less specific and weight or understanding are secondary to developmental considerations.
The nurse is caring for a client with a recent laparoscopic hemicolectomy. Which finding should be reported to the physician?
- A. Sluggish bowel sounds
- B. Pain and tenderness at the umbilicus
- C. Passage of small amount of liquid stool
- D. Increasing abdominal girth
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Increasing abdominal girth post-hemicolectomy may indicate complications like bleeding, ileus, or perforation, requiring immediate physician notification. Sluggish bowel sounds, umbilical pain, and liquid stool are expected early post-op.
A client who has been receiving Urokinase (UPA) for deep vein thrombosis is noted to have dark brown urine in the urine collection bag. Which action should the nurse take immediately?
- A. Prepare an injection of vitamin K
- B. Irrigate the urinary catheter with 50 mL of normal saline
- C. Offer the client additional oral fluids
- D. Withhold the medication and notify the physician
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Dark brown urine may indicate hematuria, a potential side effect of Urokinase, a thrombolytic agent. The nurse should withhold the medication and notify the physician immediately to assess for bleeding complications. Vitamin K is used for warfarin reversal, irrigation is inappropriate, and fluids won’t address the issue.
The client is prescribed methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis. Which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication with milk to prevent stomach upset.'
- B. Report any signs of infection immediately.'
- C. Avoid exposure to sunlight.'
- D. Take the medication only when joint pain is severe.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Methotrexate causes immunosuppression, increasing infection risk, so reporting signs of infection is critical. Milk does not prevent GI upset, photosensitivity is not a primary concern, and methotrexate is taken regularly, not as needed.
Which of the following blood gas parameters primarily reflects respiratory function?
- A. PCO2
- B. CO2 content of the blood
- C. HCO3
- D. Base excess
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The lungs are responsible for regulation of CO2, and this parameter primarily reflects respiratory function.