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The nurse is administering diltiazem (Cardizem) to a client. Prior to administration, it is important for the nurse to assess which parameter?
- A. Temperature
- B. Blood pressure
- C. Vision
- D. Bowel sounds
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood pressure. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that causes systemic vasodilation resulting in decreased blood pressure.
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Keflex 250 mg PO q6h is ordered for an adult. The nurse notes that the client's history indicates that she has an allergy to penicillin. What is the most appropriate initial action for the nurse?
- A. Notify the physician
- B. Observe the client carefully after giving the medication
- C. Administer the Keflex IV instead of PO
- D. Ask the client to describe the reaction that she had to penicillin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: There is often a cross-allergy between penicillin and cephalosporins like Keflex. The nurse should first determine the type of reaction to assess if Keflex is safe.
The nurse is administering a topical ointment to the client's rash on the right leg. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. Don nonsterile gloves.
- B. Cleanse the client's right leg.
- C. Check the client's armband.
- D. Wash the hands for 15 seconds.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Hand washing is the first step to prevent infection, per aseptic technique. Gloves, cleansing, or armband checks follow.
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.
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.
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.