The community mental health nurse is planning to visit four clients with schizophrenia today. Which client should the nurse see first?
- A. The mother who took her children from school because aliens were after them.
- B. The young man who has a history of substance abuse and no telephone.
- C. The newly diagnosed client who needs to be evaluated for medication compliance.
- D. The young woman who believes she is to blame for her recent miscarriage.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: The mother who took her children from school because aliens were after them should be seen first. This choice indicates potential harm to the children due to the mother's delusions, posing an immediate safety concern. The nurse needs to assess the situation and ensure the children's safety. Choices B, C, and D do not present immediate safety risks. B is a history of substance abuse but no current immediate danger. C is newly diagnosed and can wait for evaluation, as can D who may need support but is not in immediate danger. Prioritizing safety is crucial in mental health nursing.
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A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Take an extra dose if you miss one.
- B. Avoid high-potassium foods.
- C. Report any visual disturbances.
- D. Stop taking the medication if your pulse is normal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Report any visual disturbances. This is important because digoxin can cause visual disturbances, such as blurred or yellow-tinted vision, which may indicate toxicity. By reporting these symptoms promptly, the nurse can prevent serious complications.
A: Taking an extra dose if a dose is missed can lead to overdose and toxicity.
B: Avoiding high-potassium foods is important for patients taking potassium-sparing diuretics, not digoxin.
D: Stopping the medication if the pulse is normal is incorrect as it should be taken as prescribed for heart failure management.
A patient with gout is prescribed allopurinol. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Increase intake of high-purine foods.
- C. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
- D. Expect immediate pain relief.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take the medication with food. Allopurinol can cause stomach upset, so taking it with food can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Taking it on an empty stomach may increase the risk of nausea or stomach pain. Choice B is incorrect because increasing high-purine foods can exacerbate gout symptoms. Choice C is incorrect because limiting fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which is not recommended for gout patients. Choice D is incorrect because allopurinol does not provide immediate pain relief; it works to lower uric acid levels over time to prevent gout attacks.
In a patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) receiving erythropoietin therapy, what laboratory result should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy?
- A. Serum creatinine
- B. White blood cell count
- C. Hemoglobin level
- D. Serum potassium
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C, hemoglobin level. Erythropoietin therapy is used to stimulate red blood cell production in CKD patients with anemia. Monitoring hemoglobin levels helps assess the effectiveness of the therapy in improving anemia. If hemoglobin levels increase, it indicates the therapy is working.
Summary of incorrect choices:
A: Serum creatinine - This measures kidney function, not the effectiveness of erythropoietin therapy for anemia in CKD patients.
B: White blood cell count - Monitors immune function, not related to erythropoietin therapy for anemia.
D: Serum potassium - Important for monitoring electrolyte balance in CKD patients but not specific to assessing erythropoietin therapy effectiveness.
A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. What should the nurse include in the patient teaching?
- A. Take folic acid supplements as prescribed.
- B. Avoid alcohol completely.
- C. Expect to see immediate results.
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Take folic acid supplements as prescribed. Methotrexate can lead to folic acid deficiency, so supplementing with folic acid helps prevent side effects. It is important for the nurse to educate the patient on the importance of taking folic acid to maintain overall health.
Choice B is incorrect. While it is generally recommended to limit alcohol consumption with methotrexate, avoiding it completely may not be necessary for all patients.
Choice C is incorrect. Methotrexate takes time to work, often several weeks to months, so immediate results should not be expected.
Choice D is incorrect. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not a standard recommendation for patients taking methotrexate. Adequate hydration is important for overall health.
The sister of a patient diagnosed with BRCA gene¢â‚¬"related breast cancer asks the nurse, 'Do you think I should be tested for the gene?' Which response by the nurse is most appropriate?
- A. In most cases, breast cancer is not caused by the BRCA gene.
- B. It depends on how you will feel if the test is positive for the BRCA gene.
- C. There are many things to consider before deciding to have genetic testing.
- D. You should decide first whether you are willing to have a bilateral mastectomy.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because genetic testing for the BRCA gene involves complex considerations beyond just the test results. By stating that there are many things to consider before deciding to have genetic testing, the nurse acknowledges the importance of discussing the potential implications of the test result, such as emotional, social, and medical factors. This response promotes informed decision-making and empowers the patient to make a well-considered choice.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect:
A: This statement is inaccurate as a significant proportion of breast cancers are indeed linked to the BRCA gene mutations.
B: This response oversimplifies the decision-making process by focusing solely on emotional aspects, neglecting other critical factors that should be considered before genetic testing.
D: This option is not appropriate as it suggests a specific treatment option (bilateral mastectomy) without addressing the broader aspects of genetic testing and decision-making.
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