The charge nurse is assigning care to clients who are all receiving continuous intravenous medication infusions. The client receiving which medication infusion is best to assign to the licensed practical nurse (PN), rather than an RN?
Nitroprusside sodium, an antihypertensive.
Methotrexate, an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent.
Octreotide acetate, an antidiarrheal agent.
Amiodarone hydrochloride, an antiarrhythmic agent.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Nitroprusside sodium, an antihypertensive, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication requires close monitoring of blood pressure, heart rate, and cyanide levels. It also has a short half-life and needs frequent titration. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Choice B reason: Methotrexate, an antimetabolite chemotherapeutic agent, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat various types of cancer and can cause severe side effects such as bone marrow suppression, hepatotoxicity, and mucositis. It also requires special precautions to prevent exposure and contamination. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Choice C reason: Octreotide acetate, an antidiarrheal agent, is the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat diarrhea caused by certain hormonal disorders such as carcinoid syndrome or acromegaly. It has a relatively long half-life and does not require frequent adjustments. It also has minimal side effects and does not need special precautions. These tasks are within the scope of practice of the PN and can be delegated by the RN.
Choice D reason: Amiodarone hydrochloride, an antiarrhythmic agent, is not the best medication infusion to assign to the PN. This medication is used to treat various types of cardiac arrhythmias and can cause serious side effects such as hypotension, bradycardia, pulmonary toxicity, and thyroid dysfunction. It also requires close monitoring of electrocardiogram, vital signs, and blood tests. These tasks are beyond the scope of practice of the PN and should be performed by the RN.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: A child who has had a cold for two days and now is coughing up green sputum is not the most urgent client to assess. The child may have a bacterial infection that requires antibiotics, but the condition is not life-threatening or unstable. The child can be classified as urgent and seen within one hour.
Choice B reason: A male adolescent who has been vomiting for the past 12 hours and describes himself as very weak is not the most urgent client to assess. The adolescent may have dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, or gastroenteritis that requires fluid replacement and antiemetics, but the condition is not life-threatening or unstable. The adolescent can be classified as urgent and seen within one hour.
Choice C reason: A female client with severe right lower abdominal pain who is febrile and vomiting is the most urgent client to assess. The client may have appendicitis, ovarian torsion, ectopic pregnancy, or another serious condition that requires immediate diagnosis and treatment. The client is at risk of perforation, infection, shock, or hemorrhage and needs to be seen as soon as possible. The client can be classified as emergent and seen within 15 minutes.
Choice D reason: An elderly client with peripheral vascular disease who is complaining of severe leg pain when ambulating is not the most urgent client to assess. The client may have intermittent claudication, ischemia, or ulceration that requires analgesics, antiplatelets, or vascular surgery, but the condition is not life-threatening or unstable. The client can be classified as semi-urgent and seen within two hours.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not a relevant information to complete the report. The police department may want to interview the client about the MVC, but this is not a priority for the nurse or the healthcare provider.
Choice B reason: This is a relevant information to complete the report. The neurovascular assessments below the fracture are important to monitor the blood flow and nerve function of the affected limb. Normal findings indicate that the fracture and the surgery did not cause any complications or impairments.
Choice C reason: This is not a relevant information to complete the report. The absence of nausea or vomiting during the PACU recovery stay is a positive outcome, but it does not affect the current pain management or the postoperative care of the client.
Choice D reason: This is not a relevant information to complete the report. The family's request for a private room is a matter of preference and availability, but it does not influence the clinical status or the treatment plan of the client.
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