The physician orders the antibiotics ampicillin (Omnipen) and gentamicin (Garamycin) for a newly admitted client with an infection. The nurse should:
- A. administer both medications simultaneously.
- B. give the medications sequentially, and flush well between them.
- C. ask the physician or pharmacy which medication to give first and how long to wait before giving the other drug.
- D. start one medication now and begin the other medication in 2-4 hours.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with an infection needs both antibiotics as soon as possible. However, the pH of ampicillin is 8-10, and the pH of gentamicin is 3-5.5, making them incompatible when given together. Flushing well between drugs is necessary to prevent interaction. Choice C is incorrect because the nurse, not the physician or pharmacy, should determine the correct administration sequence. Consulting with the pharmacist is appropriate if uncertain. Choice D is incorrect because delaying the second medication by several hours can slow the treatment of the client's infection, as both antibiotics are needed promptly to address the infection effectively. Therefore, the correct action is to give the medications sequentially and flush well between them to prevent any potential interactions.
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The chemotherapeutic DNA alkylating agents such as nitrogen mustards are effective because they:
- A. cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA.
- B. have few, if any, side effects.
- C. are used to treat multiple types of cancer.
- D. are cell-cycle-specific agents.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Alkylating agents, such as nitrogen mustards, are effective chemotherapeutic agents because they cross-link DNA strands with covalent bonds between alkyl groups on the drug and guanine bases on DNA. This cross-linking interferes with DNA replication and transcription, leading to cell death. Choice B is incorrect because alkylating agents have numerous side effects, including alopecia, nausea, vomiting, and myelosuppression. Choice C is incorrect because while nitrogen mustards are used to treat multiple types of cancer like chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and breast and ovarian cancer, their effectiveness is primarily due to DNA cross-linkage. Choice D is incorrect because alkylating agents are non-cell-cycle-specific agents, meaning they can act on cells in any phase of the cell cycle, not just on cells that are actively dividing.
What is the profile of an individual who engages in domestic violence?
- A. from a minority culture in a low-income group.
- B. from a majority culture in a middle-income group.
- C. one who was never allowed to compete as a child.
- D. from any walk of life, race, income group, or profession.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Individuals who engage in domestic violence come from various backgrounds and cannot be stereotyped based on demographic factors like culture, income, or race. Research shows that perpetrators of domestic abuse can be found in any walk of life, regardless of their race, income group, or profession. It is important to note that the majority of domestic violence cases involve male perpetrators and female victims, but the profile of the abuser is not limited to specific demographic features. Therefore, the correct answer is that individuals who engage in domestic violence can come from any walk of life, race, income group, or profession. Choices A and B are incorrect as they wrongly associate domestic violence with specific cultural or income groups. Choice C is incorrect as there is no evidence to support the claim that being disallowed to compete as a child leads to domestic violence.
The nurse is caring for a client who is dying. While assessing the client for signs of impending death, the nurse observes the client for:
- A. elevated blood pressure.
- B. Cheyne-Stokes respiration.
- C. elevated pulse rate.
- D. decreased temperature.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cheyne-Stokes respirations are a pattern of breathing characterized by rhythmic waxing and waning of respirations from very deep to very shallow breathing with periods of temporary apnea. This pattern is often associated with conditions like cardiac failure and can be a sign of impending death. Elevated blood pressure and pulse rate are not typically associated with the dying process. Decreased temperature is also not a common sign of impending death. Therefore, option B, Cheyne-Stokes respiration, is the correct choice when assessing a client for signs of impending death.
What significant event occurs in the orientation phase of a nurse-client relationship?
- A. establishment of roles
- B. identification of transference phenomenon
- C. placement of the client within their family structure
- D. client agreement that the nurse has the authority in the relationship
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the orientation phase of a nurse-client relationship, the significant event is the identification of transference phenomenon. Transference phenomena are intensified in relationships with authority figures like nurses and physicians. Positive transferences may include a desire for affection and dependency, while negative transferences may involve hostility and competitiveness. It is crucial to recognize and address these transferences before progress and positive changes can be made in the working stage. The other choices are incorrect; the establishment of roles may occur in the working phase, placing the client within their family structure is not a key event in the orientation phase, and client agreement on the nurse's authority is not the primary focus during this phase.
A teenage client is admitted to the hospital because of an acetaminophen (Tylenol) overdose. Overdoses of acetaminophen can precipitate life-threatening abnormalities in which of the following organs?
- A. lungs
- B. liver
- C. kidneys
- D. adrenal glands
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Acetaminophen is extensively metabolized in the liver. An acetaminophen overdose can lead to severe liver damage and even liver failure, which can be life-threatening. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Acetaminophen overdose does not typically cause life-threatening problems in the lungs, kidneys, or adrenal glands. While prolonged acetaminophen use may increase the risk of renal dysfunction, a single overdose primarily affects the liver.