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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: The client is grieving normally in response to her husband's death and hospitalization is not necessary is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This may be insensitive and dismissive of the family's concerns and the client's condition. The client may have signs of delirium or dementia that require further evaluation.
Choice B reason: Managed care providers have mandatory pre-certification requirements for hospitalization is the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This informs the family of the process and criteria that need to be met before the client can be admitted to the hospital under the managed healthcare plan. This may help the family understand the limitations and expectations of the plan.
Choice C reason: Healthcare costs are escalating because clients want to have diagnostic testing conducted in the hospital is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This may be inaccurate and irrelevant to the family's situation. The family may not care about the healthcare costs as much as the client's well-being.
Choice D reason: Managed healthcare plans do not pay for any in-hospital medical evaluations is not the best information for the nurse to provide this family. This may be false and misleading. Managed healthcare plans may cover some in-hospital medical evaluations depending on the plan and the client's condition.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: 30 mL of serous fluid from a compression bulb device is not a cause for concern. It indicates that the wound is healing and the device is functioning properly.
Choice B reason: 40 mL per hour of dark, cloudy urine from a urinary catheter may indicate dehydration, infection, or hematuria, but it is not an immediate priority. The nurse should monitor the urine output and characteristics, and report any abnormal findings to the provider.
Choice C reason: 20 mL of serosanguinous drainage from a chest tube is expected after thoracic surgery. It reflects the normal inflammatory response and the removal of excess fluid from the pleural space.
Choice D reason: No observable drainage from a 3-day-old Penrose drain is a sign of possible obstruction or infection. The nurse should assess the site for swelling, redness, pain, or purulent drainage, and notify the provider immediately. The Penrose drain should be replaced or removed as soon as possible.
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