The elderly male client is admitted for acute severe diverticulitis. He has been taking Xanax, a benzodiazepine, for nervousness three (3) to four (4) times a day prn for six (6) years. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Prepare to administer an intravenous antianxiety medication.
- B. Notify the HCP to obtain an order for the client's Xanax prn.
- C. Explain Xanax causes addiction and he should quit taking it.
- D. Assess for signs/symptoms of medication withdrawal.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Long-term Xanax use risks dependence; assessing withdrawal (e.g., agitation, seizures) is the priority during acute illness to guide safe management.
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The client is receiving the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor enalapril (Vasotec). When would the nurse question administering this medication?
- A. The client is not receiving potassium supplements.
- B. The client complains of a persistent irritating cough.
- C. The blood pressure for two (2) consecutive readings is 110/70.
- D. The client's urinary output is 400 mL for the last eight (8) hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A persistent cough is a common ACE inhibitor side effect, warranting discontinuation or HCP evaluation. Potassium, BP, or urine output are less critical.
The female nurse realizes she did not administer a medication on time to the client diagnosed with a myocardial infarction. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Administer the medication and take no further action.
- B. Notify the director of nurses of the medication error.
- C. Complete a medication error report form.
- D. Report the error to the Peer Review Committee.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A medication error requires completing an error report per facility policy to ensure tracking and quality improvement, especially for MI patients.
The provider has ordered transdermal nitroglycerin patches for a client. Which of these instructions should be included when teaching a client about how to use the patches?
- A. Remove the patch when swimming or bathing
- B. Apply the patch to any non-hairy area of the body
- C. Apply a second patch with chest pain
- D. Remove the patch if ankle edema occurs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Apply the patch to any non-hairy area of the body. The patch application sites should be rotated.
The client is diagnosed with tuberculosis and prescribed rifampin and isoniazid (INH), both antituberculosis medications. Which instruction is most important for the public health nurse to discuss with the client?
- A. The client will have to take the medications for nine (9) to 12 months.
- B. The client will have to stay in isolation as long as he or she is taking medications.
- C. Explain the client cannot eat any type of pork products while taking the medication.
- D. The urine may turn turquoise in color, but this is an expected occurrence and harmless.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TB treatment requires 9–12 months for cure, ensuring adherence is critical to prevent resistance, a public health priority. Isolation, pork, or urine color are incorrect or less urgent.
The client is complaining of incisional pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Administer the pain medication STAT.
- B. Determine when the last pain medication was given.
- C. Assess the client's pulse and blood pressure.
- D. Teach the client distraction techniques to address pain.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Determining the last dose ensures safe timing and avoids overdose, the first step in pain management per nursing process.
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