The physician prescribes amitriptyline (Elavil) for a client. What does the patient need to know about this medication?
- A. Prolonged use of this medication will result in extrapyramidal side effects.
- B. When the medication is effective, he will experience no anxiety.
- C. The medication should relieve his symptoms of depression.
- D. Blood must be drawn weekly to test for toxicity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The purpose of amitriptyline is to relieve the symptoms of depression because it is an antidepressant. It increases the action of norepinephrine and serotonin on nerve cells.
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A primigravida is at term. The nurse can recognize the second stage of labor by the client's desire to:
- A. Push during contractions
- B. Hyperventilate during contractions
- C. Walk between contractions
- D. Relax during contractions
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The second stage of labor is marked by full cervical dilation and the urge to push with contractions.
One of the medications that is prescribed for a male client is furosemide (Lasix) 80 mg bid. To reduce his risk of falls, the nurse would teach him to take this medication:
- A. On arising and no later than 6 PM
- B. At evenly spaced intervals, such as 8 AM and 8 PM
- C. With at least one glass of water per pill
- D. With breakfast and at bedtime
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Taking furosemide early in the day minimizes nighttime urination, reducing fall risk. The other options increase nighttime bathroom trips or are irrelevant to fall prevention.
The nurse is caring for a client with a history of a pneumothorax who is being discharged. The nurse should teach the client to:
- A. Resume heavy lifting
- B. Avoid swimming
- C. Report chest pain immediately
- D. Sleep on the affected side
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Chest pain post-pneumothorax may indicate recurrence or complications, requiring immediate reporting. Heavy lifting and swimming are restricted, and sleeping position is not critical.
The physician has ordered a liver panel for a client with suspected hepatitis. Which laboratory result is most indicative of liver damage?
- A. Elevated ALT
- B. Decreased hemoglobin
- C. Elevated sodium
- D. Decreased potassium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is specific to liver damage, as it is released when hepatocytes are injured, common in hepatitis. Hemoglobin, sodium, and potassium are not directly indicative of liver function.
A 9-month-old infant was diagnosed with nonorganic failure to thrive. During her hospitalization, primary nurses were assigned to initiate all infant feedings. The infant's parents question why they cannot feed their own child. Which of the following responses would be most appropriate by the nurse?
- A. By assigning the same nurses to the child, the nurses can begin to learn the infant's cues and feeding behaviors.
- B. The same nurses will prevent parental fatigue and frustration.
- C. The same nurses will prevent infant fatigue and frustration.
- D. Primary nurses will ensure privacy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Consistent primary care nurses can better interpret infant cues and note feeding behaviors, which is critical in managing nonorganic failure to thrive.
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