Nokea
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.
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The client diagnosed with diabetes insipidus is receiving vasopressin intranasally. Which assessment data indicate the medication is effective?
- A. The client reports being able to breathe through the nose.
- B. The client complains of being thirsty all the time.
- C. The client has a blood glucose of 99 mg/dL.
- D. The client is urinating every three (3) to four (4) hours.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Vasopressin reduces polyuria in diabetes insipidus; urination every 3–4 hours indicates effectiveness. Nasal breathing, thirst, or glucose are unrelated.
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.
The client diagnosed with angina must receive a two (2)-inch nitroglycerin paste (Nitro-Bid) application. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Select all that apply.
- A. Wear gloves when administering.
- B. Remove the old Nitro-Bid paper.
- C. Apply the paper on a hairy spot.
- D. Put medication only on the legs.
- E. Report any headache to the HCP.
Correct Answer: A,B
Rationale: Gloves prevent nurse absorption, and removing old paste ensures accurate dosing. Hairy spots reduce adhesion, leg-only application is incorrect, and headaches are expected.
The client is in end-stage renal disease and is receiving sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) via an enema. Which data indicate the medication is effective?
- A. The client has 30 mL/hr of urine output.
- B. The serum phosphorus level has decreased.
- C. The client is in normal sinus rhythm.
- D. The client's serum potassium level is 5 mEq/L.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Kayexalate lowers serum potassium in hyperkalemia; a level of 5 mEq/L (normal) indicates effectiveness. Urine, phosphorus, or rhythm are unrelated.
The client diagnosed with bipolar disorder has been taking valproic acid (Depakote), an anticonvulsant, for four (4) months. Which assessment data would warrant the medication being discontinued?
- A. The client's eyes are yellow.
- B. The client has mood swings.
- C. The client's BP is 164/94.
- D. The client's serum level is 75 mcg/mL.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Yellow eyes suggest hepatotoxicity, a serious valproic acid side effect, warranting discontinuation. Mood swings, hypertension, or normal levels are less critical.