Nokea
The nurse is assessing a client who is on long term glucocorticoid therapy. Which of the following findings would the nurse expect?
- A. Buffalo hump
- B. Increased muscle mass
- C. Peripheral edema
- D. Jaundice
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Buffalo hump. With high doses of glucocorticoid, iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome develops. The exaggerated physiological action causes abnormal fat distribution which results in a moon-shaped face, an intrascapular pad on the neck (buffalo hump) and truncal obesity with slender limbs.
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An elderly adult is scheduled for repair of a fractured femur this morning. The nurse goes in to administer the preoperative medication of Demerol 75 mg and atropine 0.4 mg IM. The client asks the nurse if he should take his eye drops before surgery. What is the best initial response for the nurse to make?
- A. You can take them when you get back from surgery.
- B. I'll give them to you now.
- C. Let me check with your physician.
- D. What kind of eye drops are you taking?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Knowing the type of eye drops (e.g., for glaucoma or infection) determines if they are critical pre-surgery, guiding further action.
An elderly client is on an anticholinergic metered dose inhaler (MDI) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The nurse would suggest a spacer to
- A. enhance the administration of the medication
- B. increase client compliance
- C. improve aerosol delivery in clients who are not able to coordinate the MDI
- D. prevent exacerbation of COPD
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Spacers improve the medication delivery in clients who are unable to coordinate the movements of administering a dose with an MDI.
A client with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube for the administration of feedings and medications. Which nursing action is appropriate?
- A. Pulverize all medications to a powdery condition
- B. Squeeze the tube before using it to break up stagnant liquids
- C. Cleanse the skin around the tube daily with hydrogen peroxide
- D. Flush adequately with water before and after using the tube
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Flush adequately with water before and after using the tube. Flushing the tube before and after use not only provides for good tube maintenance, it is flushing that moves medications through. Not all medications should be crushed, for example sustained release preparations should not be cut or pulverized. Stagnant liquids are reduced by flushing after tube use. Cleansing is important, but soap and water are sufficient without the added irritation of hydrogen peroxide.
The health care provider orders an IV aminophylline infusion at 30 mg/hr. The pharmacy sends a 1,000 ml bag of D5W containing 500 mg of aminophylline. In order to administer 30 mg per hour, the RN will set the infusion rate at:
- A. 20 ml per hour
- B. 30 ml per hour
- C. 50 ml per hour
- D. 60 ml per hour
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: 60 ml per hour. Using the ratio method to calculate infusion rate: mg to be given (30) : ml to be infused (X) :: mg available (500) : ml of solution (1,000). Solve for X by cross-multiplying: 30 × 1,000 = 500 × X, 30,000 = 500X, X = 30,000 / 500, X = 60 ml per hour.
The client diagnosed with status asthmaticus is prescribed intravenous aminophylline, a bronchodilator. Which assessment data would warrant immediate intervention?
- A. The theophylline level is 12 mcg/mL.
- B. The client has expiratory wheezing.
- C. The client complains of muscle twitching.
- D. The client is refusing to eat the meal.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Muscle twitching indicates theophylline toxicity, requiring immediate intervention. Normal levels (10–20 mcg/mL), wheezing, or meal refusal are expected or less urgent.