The client diagnosed with status asthmaticus is prescribed intravenous aminophylline, a bronchodilator. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The theophylline level is 12 mcg/mL.
- B. The client has expiratory wheezing.
- C. The client complains of muscle twitching.
- D. The client is refusing to eat the meal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Muscle twitching indicates theophylline toxicity, requiring immediate intervention. Normal levels (10–20 mcg/mL), wheezing, or meal refusal are expected or less urgent.
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Ear drops have been ordered for a 10-month-old child. How should the nurse teach the mother to pull the baby's ear to straighten the ear canal?
- A. Down and back
- B. Down and forward
- C. Up and forward
- D. Up and back
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In children under 3, pulling the ear down and back straightens the ear canal for proper ear drop administration.
An elderly client is on an anticholinergic metered dose inhaler (MDI) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse would suggest a spacer to
- A. enhance the administration of the medication
- B. increase client compliance
- C. improve aerosol delivery in clients who are not able to coordinate the MDI
- D. prevent exacerbation of COPD
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spacers improve the medication delivery in clients who are unable to coordinate the movements of administering a dose with an MDI.
The female client with Trichomonas vaginalis is prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl), an antibacterial medication. Which statement indicates the client does not understand the discharge teaching?
- A. I will not be able to drink any alcohol while taking this drug.
- B. My boyfriend will need to take this same medication.
- C. I cannot transmit the disease through oral sex.
- D. I must make sure I take all the pills no matter how I feel.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Trichomonas can be transmitted via oral sex; this statement shows misunderstanding. Alcohol avoidance, partner treatment, and full course completion are correct.
The nurse is assessing a client who is on long term glucocorticoid therapy. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?
- A. Buffalo hump
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Peripheral edema
- D. Jaundice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Buffalo hump. With high doses of glucocorticoid, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome develops. The exaggerated physiological action causes abnormal fat distribution which results in a moon-shaped face, an intrascapular pad on the neck (buffalo hump) and truncal obesity with slender limbs.
The health care provider orders an IV aminophylline infusion at 30 mg/hr. The pharmacy sends a 1,000 ml bag of D5W containing 500 mg of aminophylline. In order to administer 30 mg per hour, the RN will set the infusion rate at:
- A. 20 ml per hour
- B. 30 ml per hour
- C. 50 ml per hour
- D. 60 ml per hour
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 60 ml per hour. Using the ratio method to calculate infusion rate: mg to be given (30) : ml to be infused (X) :: mg available (500) : ml of solution (1,000). Solve for X by cross-multiplying: 30 × 1,000 = 500 × X, 30,000 = 500X, X = 30,000 / 500, X = 60 ml per hour.
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