Which assessment is most important for the nurse to perform before giving a patient who is prescribed levothyroxine (Synthroid) the first dose of the drug?
a. Measuring heart rate and rhythm
b. Determining level of consciousness
c. Asking about an allergy to "sulfa" drugs
d. Checking intake and output for the last 24 hours
A
The side effects and adverse effects of thyroid hormone replacement drugs increase metabolic rate and cardiac activity. Checking heart rate and rhythm before giving the drug provides a base-line to determine whether or not the drug is working correctly or is causing an overdose effect.
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A patient comes into the community clinic speaking a language in which there are no interpreters available. Which action should the population health nurse take to demonstrate cultural competence within the healthcare system?
1. Ask the patient to seek medical care in the community hospital. 2. Ask a staff member if they could attempt to communicate with the patient. 3. Communicate to the patient that an interpreter is not available and ask them to return tomorrow. 4. Contact a neighboring community health center to find out if their interpreter for this patient's language can be borrowed for a short time.
As skeletal traction overcomes the shortening spasms of affected muscles what happens to the skeletal traction?
A) Nothing changes B) More weight is added to keep the limb in proper alignment C) Weight is removed to promote healing D) Weight is balanced between heavier and lighter
A patient with acute respiratory failure may require a bronchodilator if which of the following occurs?
a. Excessive secretions b. Bronchospasms c. Thick secretions d. Fighting the ventilator
The client with hypokalemia is receiving an intravenous infusion of 60 mEq of potassium chloride in a 1000-mL solution of dextrose 5% in 0.45% saline. The client says that the area around the IV site burns. What is the nurse's best first action?
A. Notify the physician. B. Check for a blood return. C. Document the finding as the only action. D. Change the solution to dextrose 5% in 0.45% saline.