You are caring for a group of elderly clients, many of whom are affected with multiple chronic disorders and are also, at times, affected with some acute disorders that require medical and nursing attention. As you are caring for these clients some will need a new medication regimen for an acute disorder. You should consider that fact that the elderly population is at risk for more side effects, adverse drug reactions, and toxicity and over dosages of medications because the elderly have a (n):
- A. Increased creatinine clearance.
- B. Impaired immune system.
- C. Decreased hepatic metabolism.
- D. Increased bodily fat.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elderly individuals often have decreased hepatic metabolism due to reduced liver function, which affects drug metabolism and increases the risk of side effects, adverse reactions, and toxicity.
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A client with a history of breast cancer is prescribed tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Which side effect should the nurse teach the client to report?
- A. Hot flashes
- B. Weight gain
- C. Vaginal bleeding
- D. Fatigue
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Vaginal bleeding may indicate endometrial hyperplasia or cancer, a serious side effect of tamoxifen requiring immediate reporting.
A client who had a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) 1 day earlier has a three-way Foley catheter inserted for continuous bladder irrigation. Which of the following statements best explains why continuous irrigation is used after TURP?
- A. To control bleeding in the bladder.
- B. To instill antibiotics into the bladder.
- C. To keep the catheter free from clot obstruction.
- D. To prevent bladder distention.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous irrigation prevents clot formation and obstruction in the catheter, ensuring proper drainage post-TURP.
A client with a history of liver failure is prescribed lactulose (Cephulac). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following therapeutic effects?
- A. Decreased ammonia levels.
- B. Increased blood glucose.
- C. Decreased blood pressure.
- D. Increased platelet count.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lactulose reduces ammonia levels by promoting its excretion in hepatic encephalopathy.
Your client has superior vena cava syndrome. The client's wife asks you what this is. How should you respond to the client's wife? You should explain that superior vena cava syndrome is:
- A. The compression of the renal medulla.
- B. Syncope and dizziness of unknown origin.
- C. Pressure on the vena cava which is a major vein in the body.
- D. Pressure on the vena cava which is the largest artery in the body.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Superior vena cava syndrome is caused by compression of the superior vena cava, a major vein, leading to symptoms like swelling and shortness of breath.
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube. Which of the following findings requires immediate intervention?
- A. Continuous bubbling in the water seal chamber.
- B. Tubing clamped near the insertion site.
- C. Chest tube secured to the chest wall.
- D. Suction set at 20 cm H2O.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clamping the tubing near the insertion site can cause a tension pneumothorax, requiring immediate correction.
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