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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An adolescent client has been hospitalized for 2 months for an eating disorder. She asks the nurse what to tell her classmates about her long absence. The nurse can best help the client by:
- A. Having her practice changing the subject when asked personal questions
- B. Helping her invent a believable explanation for her absence
- C. Engaging her in role playing activities that are likely to occur
- D. Encouraging her to share her experiences with those who ask
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Role-playing helps the client prepare for social interactions, building confidence in handling questions about her absence.
A client in labor with a history of a previous cesarean birth has chosen to attempt a vaginal birth. During labor, which finding would be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Cessation of contractions and maternal tachycardia
- B. Fetal tachycardia with moderate variability
- C. Increased anxiety and discomfort with contractions
- D. Painful, strong contractions every 3-4 minutes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Cessation of contractions with maternal tachycardia (A) suggests uterine rupture, a life-threatening emergency in VBAC due to scar dehiscence. Fetal tachycardia (B) is concerning but less specific, anxiety (C) is expected, and regular contractions (D) are normal.
The nurse is floated from the obstetrical (OB) floor to the medical/surgical floor. Which client is the best assignment for the OB nurse?
- A. Female client with a fractured pelvis who is 4 months pregnant
- B. Female client with cytomegalovirus pneumonia
- C. Male client with an open bowel resection with a Foley catheter
- D. Male client with history of Billroth II surgery who is septic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The OB nurse’s expertise in pregnancy care makes the pregnant client with a fractured pelvis (A) the best assignment, as it aligns with their skills in managing maternal-fetal health. Other clients (B, C, D) require general medical-surgical care unrelated to OB.
An adult is prescribed lovastatin (Mevacor). The nurse should teach the client that while he is taking lovastatin (Mevacor), he must avoid:
- A. eating apples.
- B. drinking grapefruit juice.
- C. using aspirin.
- D. using ibuprofen.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grapefruit juice inhibits CYP3A4, increasing lovastatin levels and risking toxicity, such as myopathy. Apples, aspirin, and ibuprofen do not have significant interactions with lovastatin.
A patient has recently been prescribed Lidocaine Hydrochloride. Which of the following symptoms may occur with over dosage?
- A. Memory loss and lack of appetite
- B. Confusion and fatigue
- C. Heightened reflexes
- D. Tinnitus and spasticity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Lidocaine Hydrochloride can cause fatigue and confusion if an over dosage occurs.