The nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client with a nasogastric tube. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Check for tube placement
- B. Crush the medications
- C. Flush the tube with water
- D. Administer the medications
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct first action when administering medications to a client with a nasogastric tube is to check for tube placement. This is crucial to ensure that the medications are delivered to the correct location within the gastrointestinal tract. Checking the tube placement helps prevent complications such as medication entering the lungs if the tube is misplaced. Crushing the medications (choice B) or flushing the tube with water (choice C) should only be done after confirming the correct tube placement. Administering the medications (choice D) without verifying the tube placement can lead to serious consequences.
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A client with diabetes mellitus reports feeling shaky and has a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Administer 15 grams of carbohydrate
- B. Administer a glucagon injection
- C. Provide a snack with protein
- D. Encourage the client to rest
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the scenario described, the client is experiencing hypoglycemia with a blood glucose level of 60 mg/dl. The appropriate action for the nurse to take is to administer 15 grams of carbohydrate. Carbohydrate intake helps to rapidly raise blood sugar levels in cases of hypoglycemia. Administering a glucagon injection (Choice B) is not the initial treatment for mild hypoglycemia; it is typically used for severe hypoglycemia when the client is unable to consume oral carbohydrates. Providing a snack with protein (Choice C) is not the first-line intervention for hypoglycemia; immediate carbohydrate intake is necessary to raise blood sugar levels quickly. Encouraging the client to rest (Choice D) may be appropriate after administering the carbohydrate, but the priority is to address the low blood glucose levels by administering carbohydrates first.
The nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which finding indicates that the client is at risk for digoxin toxicity?
- A. Heart rate of 60 beats per minute
- B. Blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg
- C. Respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute
- D. Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A low serum potassium level increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is more likely to occur in individuals with low potassium levels because potassium is crucial for proper heart function. A heart rate of 60 beats per minute, blood pressure of 120/80 mm Hg, and respiratory rate of 18 breaths per minute are within normal ranges and do not directly indicate an increased risk of digoxin toxicity.
The client is being taught how to take alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis treatment. Which statement indicates that the client needs further teaching?
- A. I should take this medication at bedtime
- B. I will need to take this medication for at least 3 years
- C. I should sit up for 30 minutes after taking the medication
- D. I should take this medication with a full glass of water
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because taking Fosamax at bedtime is incorrect. It should be taken in the morning with a full glass of water to prevent esophageal irritation. Choice B is correct; alendronate is typically taken for several years to treat osteoporosis. Choice C is correct as remaining upright for 30 minutes after taking Fosamax helps prevent esophageal irritation. Choice D is also correct as taking alendronate with a full glass of water is necessary to ensure proper absorption.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is receiving oxygen at 4 liters per minute via nasal cannula. The client becomes lethargic and confused. What action should the nurse take first?
- A. Decrease the oxygen flow rate
- B. Increase the oxygen flow rate
- C. Encourage the client to cough and deep breathe
- D. Monitor the client's oxygen saturation level
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this scenario, the priority action for the nurse is to decrease the oxygen flow rate. Clients with COPD are sensitive to high levels of oxygen and can develop oxygen toxicity, leading to symptoms like lethargy and confusion. Decreasing the oxygen flow rate helps prevent this complication. Increasing the oxygen flow rate would worsen the client's condition. Encouraging coughing and deep breathing may not address the immediate issue of oxygen toxicity. While monitoring the client's oxygen saturation level is important, taking action to address the oxygen toxicity by decreasing the flow rate is the priority in this situation.
A male client with hypertension tells the nurse that he is going to take ginseng to increase his stamina. What information should the nurse provide this client?
- A. Ginseng can decrease the effectiveness of your blood pressure medication
- B. You will need to stop taking ginseng while on blood pressure medication
- C. It is important to monitor your blood pressure regularly while taking ginseng
- D. Ginseng can increase your blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: "Ginseng can increase blood pressure, which is a concern for clients with hypertension." Choice A is incorrect because ginseng does not typically decrease the effectiveness of blood pressure medication. Choice B is incorrect as stopping ginseng while on blood pressure medication may not be necessary. Choice C is not the most direct concern related to ginseng use in a hypertensive client, making it less relevant than the correct answer.