Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client receiving warfarin therapy (Coumadin®) following a stroke. The client's PT/INR was completed at 7:00 A.M. prior to the morning meal with an INR reading of 4.0. Which of the following is the nurse's first priority?
- A. Call the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose.
- B. Administer a vitamin K injection IM and notify the physician of the results.
- C. Assess the client for bleeding around the gums or in the stool and notify the physician of the lab results and latest dose of Coumadin®.
- D. Notify the next shift to hold the daily dose of Coumadin® scheduled for 5:00 P.M.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In a client receiving warfarin therapy with a high INR of 4.0, the nurse's first priority is to administer a vitamin K injection intramuscularly (IM) and notify the physician of the results. An INR of 4.0 indicates excessive anticoagulation, putting the client at risk of bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin overdose and helps to reverse its effects. It is crucial to administer vitamin K promptly to prevent bleeding complications. Calling the physician to request an increase in the Coumadin® dose is inappropriate and dangerous in this situation, as it would further raise the INR. Assessing the client for bleeding and notifying the physician is important but not the first priority when faced with a critically high INR. Holding the daily dose of Coumadin® may be necessary after administering vitamin K, but it is not the primary action needed to address the acute high INR level.
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Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the drug of choice for thyroid replacement therapy in clients with hypothyroidism because:
- A. it is chemically stable, nonallergenic, and can be administered orally once a day.
- B. it is available in a wide range of concentrations to meet individual client requirements.
- C. it is a prodrug of T3.
- D. it has a long half-life.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Levothyroxine (Synthroid) is the preferred medication for hypothyroidism due to its chemical stability, nonallergenic properties, and convenient once-daily oral administration. It is safe and effective with minimal side effects when appropriately dosed. Choice B is incorrect because while Levothyroxine is available in various concentrations, it is not the reason it is the drug of choice; the primary reason is its stability and nonallergenic nature. Choice C is wrong as Levothyroxine (T4) is not a prodrug of T3; it is converted to T3 in the body. Option D is inaccurate because Levothyroxine has a long half-life (around 7 days), enabling once-daily dosing, as opposed to a short half-life.
What are the side effects of first-generation over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines like diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and hydroxyzine (Atarax) in infants and children?
- A. Reye's syndrome.
- B. cholinergic effects.
- C. paradoxical CNS stimulation.
- D. nausea and diarrhea.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is paradoxical CNS stimulation. First-generation OTC antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine and hydroxyzine, can lead to paradoxical CNS stimulation in infants and children. This phenomenon is characterized by symptoms like excitement, euphoria, restlessness, and confusion, rather than the expected sedative effect. Due to this unexpected response, these antihistamines are used less frequently in pediatric populations. Reye's syndrome is a rare systemic response to a virus and is not a side effect of antihistamines. First-generation OTC antihistamines do not typically exhibit cholinergic effects. Nausea and diarrhea are uncommon side effects of these antihistamines and are less commonly observed than paradoxical CNS stimulation.
The client seeks advice from the nurse regarding issues with flatus due to colostomy. Which food should the nurse recommend?
- A. High-fiber foods, such as bran.
- B. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale.
- C. Carbonated beverages.
- D. Yogurt.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is yogurt. Yogurt can help reduce gas formation in clients with a colostomy. High-fiber foods like bran can stimulate peristalsis and increase flatulence, which is not helpful in this situation. Cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli, and kale, and beans tend to increase gas formation. Carbonated beverages, along with smoking, chewing gum, and drinking fluids with a straw, can also increase gas formation. Therefore, the nurse should recommend yogurt to help alleviate the client's issues with flatus.
When discussing possible complications of pregnancy with a client, the nurse should explain that all of the following are symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). Which of the following is least indicative of UTI during pregnancy?
- A. low back pain
- B. urinary frequency
- C. GI distress
- D. malaise
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Urinary frequency is least indicative of UTI during pregnancy. It is a common minor discomfort of pregnancy caused by pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder. As the uterus rises in the second trimester, there are usually no problems. Frequency may return in the third trimester when the uterus drops into the pelvic cavity. UTI symptoms include low back pain, suprapubic discomfort, and malaise, and are confirmed by laboratory findings. Low back pain, GI distress, and malaise are more closely associated with UTI during pregnancy compared to urinary frequency.
The client with a history of advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) had conventional gallbladder surgery 2 days previously. Which intervention has priority for preventing respiratory complications?
- A. Incentive spirometry every 1 to 2 hours.
- B. Coughing and deep breathing every 1 to 2 hours.
- C. Getting the client out of bed 4 times daily as ordered by the physician.
- D. Giving oxygen at 4 L/minute according to the physician's order.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The priority intervention for preventing respiratory complications in a client with advanced COPD who underwent gallbladder surgery is to get the client out of bed 4 times daily. This helps prevent pooling of secretions in the lungs and promotes better lung expansion. Incentive spirometry, coughing, and deep breathing are essential interventions; however, they should be performed more frequently, ideally every 1 to 2 hours, rather than every 4 hours or 4 times daily. Giving oxygen at 4 L/minute could potentially decrease the client's respiratory drive, which is not the priority in this case.