The client taking carbamazepine XR for seizure control reports that pieces of the medication are being passed into the stool. Which action by the nurse is most important?
- A. Report this to the health care provider.
- B. Reassure the client that this is normal.
- C. Collect the stool for laboratory analysis.
- D. Document the findings in the medical record.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A: It is inappropriate to report an expected finding to the HCP. B: Carbamazepine XR (Tegretol XR) is a sustained-release medication with a coating that is not absorbed but is excreted in feces and may be visible in stool. The nurse should reassure the client that this is normal. C: Collecting the stool for laboratory analysis is not necessary because the coating is not absorbed but excreted in the stool. D: The nurse should document the client teaching but usually would not document the presence of the coating in the client's stool.
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A nurse teaching a patient with COPD pulmonary exercises should do which of the following?
- A. Teach pursed-lip breathing techniques.
- B. Encourage repetitive heavy lifting exercises that will increase strength.
- C. Limit exercises based on respiratory acidosis.
- D. Take breaks every 10-20 minutes with exercises.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pursed-lip breathing will help decrease the volume of air expelled by increased bronchial airways.
The nurse is to administer vancomycin to the client diagnosed with sepsis. The client is to have a peak and trough level completed on this dose of vancomycin. Which action should the nurse initiate first?
- A. Determine if the trough level has already been drawn on the client.
- B. Check drug compatibilities before infusing into an existing IV line.
- C. Evaluate the client's culture and sensitivity (C&S) report results.
- D. Calculate the rate at which the vancomycin should be infused.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A: A trough level must be drawn before vancomycin (Vancocin) is administered. This is the first action because if the trough level has not been drawn, it will delay the vancomycin dose and could result in a medication error. B: Checking medication compatibilities is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level. C: Checking C&S report results is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level. D: Calculating the administration rate is important, but this can be completed while the laboratory is obtaining the trough level.
The major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid are:
- A. potassium and chloride.
- B. potassium and phosphate.
- C. sodium and chloride.
- D. sodium and phosphate.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Sodium and chloride are the major electrolytes in the extracellular fluid.
The nurse is preparing to administer Azithromycin, and the pharmacy has provided the drug in a powder form that requires reconstitution connected to a saline piggyback. Which of the following is least concerning when preparing the medication?
- A. The expiration date on the powder vial is the same as the current date.
- B. The brand/trade name is not listed on the vial.
- C. The storage instructions on the vial says 'store at room temperature', and the vial is very cold to the touch indicating it has been taken out of a freezer.
- D. The bag of saline is leaking.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The brand or trade name is not required to be on the medication label if the generic name is present. The nurse should check that the medication is not expired and that it has been stored according to the storage instructions. If the saline bag is leaking, it may indicate that the container is damaged and the fluid may not be sterile.
Methylphenidate hydrochloride is prescribed for the child with ADHD. The nurse should teach the parents to administer the medication in which way?
- A. Whenever the child exhibits inattention behaviors
- B. Whenever the child exhibits hyperactive behaviors
- C. With a snack before bed to calm the child for sleep
- D. During or after meals if the medication decreases appetite
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A: Methylphenidate is usually given twice daily at or before breakfast and at noon, not whenever inattention behaviors occur. B: Methylphenidate is usually given twice daily at or before breakfast and at noon, not whenever hyperactive behaviors occur. C: The last dose of the medication should be given before 6 p.m. to prevent insomnia. D: A side effect of methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) is anorexia. It should be given during or immediately after breakfast and lunch to prevent a decreased intake.
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