Nokea
The nurse is caring for a client with hepatic encephalopathy who is receiving lactulose. Which of the following findings would indicate that the medication has been effective?
- A. Improved mental status
- B. Looser consistency of stool
- C. Reduced abdominal distension
- D. Increased serum potassium level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lactulose is used in hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion through the stool. Improved mental status (A) indicates reduced ammonia toxicity, directly reflecting the medication's therapeutic effect. Looser stools (B) and reduced abdominal distension (C) are expected effects of lactulose but are secondary to the primary goal of ammonia reduction. Increased serum potassium (D) is incorrect, as lactulose does not directly affect potassium levels.
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A low-residue diet is ordered for an adult. The nurse knows that the client understands the diet when which menu is selected?
- A. Lettuce and tomato salad, steak sandwich, orange slices
- B. Gelatin salad, mashed potatoes, sliced chicken
- C. Corn casserole, pork chop, rice
- D. Broccoli, broiled fish, sesame seed roll
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Gelatin, mashed potatoes, and sliced chicken are low-fiber, low-residue foods, suitable for the diet. Lettuce, corn, broccoli, and sesame seeds are high-fiber, increasing residue.
The emergency room nurse admits a child who experienced a seizure at school. The parent comments that this is the first occurrence and denies any family history of epilepsy. What is the best response by the nurse?
- A. Do not worry. Epilepsy can be treated with medications.
- B. The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy.
- C. Since this was the first convulsion, it may not happen again.
- D. Long term treatment will prevent future seizures.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The seizure may or may not mean your child has epilepsy. A single seizure has multiple potential causes, not necessarily epilepsy.
Which statements involve acceptable use of an abbreviation, symbol, or dose designation in documentation? Select all that apply.
- A. 7 cm x 3 cm x 1 cm stage II decubitus noted on left shin.
- B. 40 u SSRI administered to cover capillary glucose of 160 mg/dL.
- C. Dose of 0.5 mg hydromorphone administered and the client feels better.
- D. 4 Maalox 5 mL PO administered pc as requested for c/o heartburn.
- E. Spouse voiced understanding of home urinary catheterization QID.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Metric units (A), decimal doses (C), and QID (E) are clear and acceptable. 'u' (B) risks confusion with '0,' and 'pc' with 'c/o' (D) are ambiguous, per safety standards.
A client with a history of heart disease takes prophylactic aspirin daily. The nurse should monitor which of the following to prevent aspirin toxicity?
- A. Serum potassium
- B. Protein intake
- C. Lactose tolerance
- D. Serum albumin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Serum albumin. When highly protein-bound drugs are administered to patients with low serum albumin (protein) levels, excess free (unbound) drug can cause exaggerated and dangerous effects.
A client diagnosed with trichomonal vaginal infection (trichomoniasis) is prescribed metronidazole. Which directions are essential for the nurse to reinforce? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- B. Perform vaginal douche for 7-10 days
- C. Use birth control pills to prevent infection recurrence
- D. Your partner(s) must be treated simultaneously
- E. Your urine can change to a deep red-brown color
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: Metronidazole treatment for trichomoniasis requires specific instructions. Avoiding alcohol (A) prevents a disulfiram-like reaction. Partner treatment (D) is essential to prevent reinfection, as trichomoniasis is sexually transmitted. Urine discoloration (E) is a possible side effect to anticipate. Douching (B) is not recommended, as it disrupts vaginal flora. Birth control pills (C) do not prevent recurrence of this infection.