The client who has had a kidney transplant tells the nurse he has been taking St. John's wort, an herb, for depression. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Praise the client for taking the initiative to treat the depression.
- B. Remain nonjudgmental about the client's alternative treatments.
- C. Refer the client to a psychologist for counseling for depression.
- D. Instruct the client to quit taking the medication immediately.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: St. John’s wort induces CYP3A4, reducing immunosuppressant efficacy (e.g., cyclosporine), risking transplant rejection. Stopping it is the priority.
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The elderly client is admitted to the emergency department from a long-term care facility. The client has multiple ecchymotic areas on the body. The client is receiving digoxin, a cardiac glycoside; Lasix, a loop diuretic; Coumadin, an anticoagulant; and Xanax, an antianxiety medication. Which order should the nurse request from the health-care provider?
- A. A STAT serum potassium level.
- B. An order to admit to the hospital for observation.
- C. An order to administer Valium intravenous push.
- D. A STAT international normalized ratio (INR).
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Ecchymosis with Coumadin suggests bleeding risk; STAT INR assesses anticoagulation status, guiding reversal if needed. Potassium, admission, or Valium are less urgent.
Prior to administering Alteplase (TPA) to a client admitted for a cerebral vascular accident (CVA), it is critical that the nurse assess:
- A. Neuro signs
- B. Mental status
- C. Blood pressure
- D. PT/PTT
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: PT/PTT. TPA is a potent thrombolytic enzyme. Because bleeding is the most common side effect, it is most essential to evaluate clotting studies including PT, PTT, APTT, platelets, and hematocrit before beginning therapy.
The client admitted with pneumonia is taking Imuran, an immunosuppressive agent. Which question should the nurse ask the client regarding this medication?
- A. Do you know this medication has to be tapered off when discontinued?
- B. Have you been exposed to viral hepatitis B or C recently?
- C. Why are you taking this medication, and how long have you taken it?
- D. Do you have a lot of allergies or sensitivities to different medications?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Imuran (azathioprine) use and duration clarify indication (e.g., autoimmune) and infection risk, critical with pneumonia. Tapering, hepatitis, or allergies are less immediate.
A client is ordered atropine to be administered preoperatively. Which physiological effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Elevate blood pressure
- B. Drying up of secretions
- C. Reduce heart rate
- D. Enhance sedation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Drying up of secretions. Atropine dries secretions which may get in the way during the operative procedure.
The client diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) is receiving Lioresal (baclofen), a muscle relaxant. Which information should the nurse teach the client/family?
- A. The importance of tapering off medication when discontinuing medication.
- B. Baclofen may cause diarrhea, so the client should take antidiarrheal medication.
- C. The client should not be allowed to drive alone while taking this medication.
- D. The need for follow-up visits to obtain a monthly white blood cell count.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Baclofen requires tapering to prevent withdrawal symptoms, like seizures, per FDA warnings. Diarrhea, driving, or WBC counts are not primary concerns.