The physician ordered a loading dose of medication for the patient; it is to be followed by a lower dose. When the patient receives the lower dose, she says to the nurse, "I think my doctor made a mistake; my medication dose is too low." What is the best response by the nurse?

1. "The initial dose shortened the half-life, so the medication would work more quickly."
2. "We always give medications this way; the doctor did not make a mistake."
3. "You had a larger dose initially so that the medication would work more quickly."
4. "Giving a larger dose initially will reduce the chance of side effects."


3
Rationale 1: Loading doses do not shorten the half-life of a drug.
Rationale 2: Not all medications are initiated with a loading dose.
Rationale 3: Loading doses of medications are used to quickly induce a therapeutic response.
Rationale 4: Loading doses do not reduce the occurrence of side effects.
Global Rationale: Loading doses of medications are used to quickly induce a therapeutic response. Loading doses do not shorten the half-life of a drug. Not all medications are initiated with a loading dose. Loading doses do not reduce the occurrence of side effects.

Nursing

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A health care organization is incorporating culturally and linguistically appropriate services into the strategic plan. In which areas of the plan will these services be reflected?Select all that apply.Note: Credit will be given only if all correct choices and no incorrect choices are selected.

A. Goals B. Policies C. Operational plans D. Management accountability E. Internal audits

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The nurse is meeting with a patient and says, "I would love to hear how you are feeling today." While the patient speaks, the nurse yawns, looks at her watch, and folds her arms over her chest. What do the nurse's words and actions best indicate

1. Disinterest in the patient's answers 2. Boredom with the therapy session 3. Incongruence of verbal and nonverbal communication 4. Incongruence of nonverbal communication and meta-communication

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Which of the following are direct measures? (Select all that apply.)

a. The patient's radial pulse rate b. The dimensions in centimeters of a decubitus ulcer c. The nurse's observations of an infant's apparent pain d. The physician's measure of the patient's deep tendon reflexes e. The patient's estimate as to whether his lithium level is within therapeutic range f. The mother's report of her toddler's anxiety level before a blood draw g. The patient's serum serotonin levels

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A client recovering from a stroke does not want to perform prescribed shoulder exercises. What should the nurse say to the client that demonstrates critical thinking with creativity?

1. "You'll only get worse if you don't do these exercises." 2. "As soon as you get these into your routine, you'll feel better." 3. "Your physician wouldn't have ordered these if they weren't important." 4. "Here's a marker. See how many circles you can make on this board in 10 minutes."

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