A provider orders clonidine [Catapres] for a patient withdrawing from opioids. When explaining the rationale for this drug choice, the nurse will tell this patient that clonidine [Catapres] is used to:
a. prevent opioid craving.
b. reduce somnolence and drowsiness.
c. relieve symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
d. stimulate autonomic activity.
C
When administered to an individual physically dependent on opioids, clonidine can suppress some symptoms of abstinence. Clonidine is most effective against symptoms related to auto-nomic hyperactivity, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Clonidine does not stimulate au-tonomic activity; it is effective against symptoms of autonomic hyperactivity. Clonidine does not reduce somnolence and drowsiness. Clonidine does not prevent opioid craving.
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The nurse is caring for a patient who has just had coronary artery bypass grafting and is experiencing significant hypotension. What nursing assessment would best confirm that the hypotension is related to blood loss?
A) Low hemoglobin and hematocrit, with high central venous pressure B) Chest tube drainage in excess of 200 mL/hr C) Urine output 40 to 50 mL/hr D) Chest tube drainage less than 30 mL/hr
What is heuristics?
A) Discrete, conscious process to allow individuals to solve problems quickly B) Set of rules to encourage learners to discover solutions for themselves C) Formal process and structure in the decision-making process D) Trial and error method or rules of thumb approach
A patient with hepatitis requires endotracheal intubation. Which agent does the nurse expect to be administered to facilitate this procedure?
a. Atropine b. Cisatracurium [Nimbex] c. Rocuronium [Zemuron] d. Vecuronium [Norcuron]
A sputum culture has been collected and sent for culture and sensitivity. The physician orders a broad-spectrum antibiotic. What is the reason this medication is being ordered?
1. The culture and sensitivity will take 2 weeks for the results to be available. 2. Treatment for severe infections is started on broad-spectrum antibiotics while the culture is pending and then changed to a narrow-spectrum antibiotic. 3. Most people are allergic to narrow-spectrum antibiotics. 4. The broad-spectrum antibiotic will cure the infection before the culture results are ready.