Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
The nurse is planning health teaching for a client starting on donepezil for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For which side effect will the nurse teach the family to monitor?
A. Low oxygen saturation
: Low oxygen saturation is not a common side effect of donepezil. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. While it can have various side effects, respiratory issues like low oxygen saturation are not typically associated with this medication. Therefore, monitoring for low oxygen saturation is not a primary concern for patients starting donepezil.
B. High blood pressure
: High blood pressure is also not a common side effect of donepezil. The medication primarily affects the central nervous system and does not typically cause significant changes in blood pressure. While it is always important to monitor a patient’s overall health, high blood pressure is not a side effect specifically linked to donepezil use. Therefore, it is not a primary focus for monitoring in this context.
C. Elevated body temperature
: Elevated body temperature is not commonly associated with donepezil. The side effects of donepezil are more likely to involve gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as muscle cramps and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is not a typical reaction to this medication, so it is not a primary concern for monitoring.
D. Low pulse rate
: Low pulse rate, or bradycardia, is a known side effect of donepezil. Donepezil can increase the levels of acetylcholine, which can affect the heart’s electrical conduction system and lead to a slower heart rate. This can be particularly concerning in elderly patients or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to teach the family to monitor the client’s pulse rate regularly and report any significant decreases to the healthcare provider.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Final Med Surg Comprehensive Proctored Exam (Brooklyn University). Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Low oxygen saturation is not a common side effect of donepezil. Donepezil is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease by increasing the levels of acetylcholine in the brain. While it can have various side effects, respiratory issues like low oxygen saturation are not typically associated with this medication. Therefore, monitoring for low oxygen saturation is not a primary concern for patients starting donepezil.
Choice B Reason:
High blood pressure is also not a common side effect of donepezil. The medication primarily affects the central nervous system and does not typically cause significant changes in blood pressure. While it is always important to monitor a patient’s overall health, high blood pressure is not a side effect specifically linked to donepezil use. Therefore, it is not a primary focus for monitoring in this context.
Choice C Reason:
Elevated body temperature is not commonly associated with donepezil. The side effects of donepezil are more likely to involve gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as muscle cramps and fatigue. Elevated body temperature is not a typical reaction to this medication, so it is not a primary concern for monitoring.
Choice D Reason:
Low pulse rate, or bradycardia, is a known side effect of donepezil. Donepezil can increase the levels of acetylcholine, which can affect the heart’s electrical conduction system and lead to a slower heart rate. This can be particularly concerning in elderly patients or those with pre-existing heart conditions. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to teach the family to monitor the client’s pulse rate regularly and report any significant decreases to the healthcare provider.
Similar Questions
A nurse is providing teaching for a client who has a new diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The client asks about foods he should avoid eating. Which of the following foods should the nurse tell him to avoid?
A. Nonfat milk
: Nonfat milk is generally considered safe for individuals with GERD. While full-fat dairy products can exacerbate GERD symptoms due to their high-fat content, nonfat milk does not have this effect. It is low in fat and unlikely to trigger acid reflux. Therefore, nonfat milk is not a food that needs to be avoided by someone with GERD.
B. Apple
: Apples are typically safe for individuals with GERD. In fact, non-citrus fruits like apples are often recommended as part of a GERD-friendly diet. They are low in acid and unlikely to cause reflux symptoms. Therefore, apples do not need to be avoided by someone with GERD.
C. Chocolate
: Chocolate is a common trigger for GERD symptoms. It contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus and cause reflux. Additionally, chocolate is high in fat, which can further exacerbate GERD symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with GERD to avoid chocolate to prevent worsening of their symptoms.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Nonfat milk is generally considered safe for individuals with GERD. While full-fat dairy products can exacerbate GERD symptoms due to their high-fat content, nonfat milk does not have this effect. It is low in fat and unlikely to trigger acid reflux. Therefore, nonfat milk is not a food that needs to be avoided by someone with GERD.
Choice B Reason:
Apples are typically safe for individuals with GERD. In fact, non-citrus fruits like apples are often recommended as part of a GERD-friendly diet. They are low in acid and unlikely to cause reflux symptoms. Therefore, apples do not need to be avoided by someone with GERD.
Choice C Reason:
Chocolate is a common trigger for GERD symptoms. It contains caffeine and theobromine, both of which can relax the lower esophageal sphincter (LES), allowing stomach acid to escape into the esophagus and cause reflux. Additionally, chocolate is high in fat, which can further exacerbate GERD symptoms. Therefore, it is advisable for individuals with GERD to avoid chocolate to prevent worsening of their symptoms.
A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has diabetes mellitus about carbohydrate intake needs when exercising. Which of the following foods should the nurse include as containing a 15 g serving of carbohydrates?
A. 1 cup of milk
One cup of milk contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Milk is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and calcium, making it a suitable option for maintaining blood glucose levels during exercise. It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their carbohydrate intake to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
B. 1/2 cup of regular ice cream
Half a cup of regular ice cream contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates. However, ice cream also contains high levels of sugar and fat, which may not be the healthiest option for regular consumption, especially for individuals with diabetes. While it can be included occasionally, it is better to choose healthier carbohydrate sources.
C. 1 slice of bread
One slice of bread typically contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates. Bread, especially whole grain or whole wheat varieties, can be a good source of carbohydrates for individuals with diabetes. It provides fiber, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
D. 1 cup of sugar-free yogurt
One cup of sugar-free yogurt does not contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. Sugar-free yogurt usually has fewer carbohydrates compared to regular yogurt. It is important to read the nutritional labels to determine the exact carbohydrate content. Regular yogurt, on the other hand, can be a good source of carbohydrates.
Full Explanation
The correct answer is a) 1 cup of milk.
Choice A reason: One cup of milk contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Milk is a good source of carbohydrates, protein, and calcium, making it a suitable option for maintaining blood glucose levels during exercise. It is important for individuals with diabetes to monitor their carbohydrate intake to manage their blood sugar levels effectively.
Choice B reason: Half a cup of regular ice cream contains around 15 grams of carbohydrates. However, ice cream also contains high levels of sugar and fat, which may not be the healthiest option for regular consumption, especially for individuals with diabetes. While it can be included occasionally, it is better to choose healthier carbohydrate sources.
Choice C reason: One slice of bread typically contains about 15 grams of carbohydrates. Bread, especially whole grain or whole wheat varieties, can be a good source of carbohydrates for individuals with diabetes. It provides fiber, which helps in maintaining stable blood sugar levels.
Choice D reason: One cup of sugar-free yogurt does not contain 15 grams of carbohydrates. Sugar-free yogurt usually has fewer carbohydrates compared to regular yogurt. It is important to read the nutritional labels to determine the exact carbohydrate content. Regular yogurt, on the other hand, can be a good source of carbohydrates.
A nurse in a PACU is assessing a client who has a newly created colostomy. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
A. Rosebud-like stoma orifice
: A rosebud-like stoma orifice is a normal finding for a newly created colostomy. This appearance indicates that the stoma is healthy and well-formed. The stoma should protrude slightly from the abdomen and have a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth. This indicates good blood flow and proper healing. Therefore, a rosebud-like stoma orifice does not need to be reported to the provider.
B. Stoma oozing red drainage
: A stoma oozing red drainage can be concerning, but it is not uncommon for a new stoma to have some minor bleeding or oozing, especially in the immediate postoperative period. This can occur due to the delicate nature of the tissue and the recent surgical intervention. However, if the drainage is excessive or persistent, it should be monitored closely and reported if it does not improve. Minor oozing is generally expected and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
C. Shiny, moist stoma
: A shiny, moist stoma is a normal finding and indicates that the stoma is healthy. The stoma should be moist and have a shiny appearance, similar to the inside of the mouth. This moisture is necessary for the proper function and health of the stoma. Therefore, a shiny, moist stoma does not need to be reported to the provider.
D. Purplish-colored stoma
: A purplish-colored stoma is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider immediately. This discoloration can indicate compromised blood flow to the stoma, which can lead to tissue necrosis if not addressed promptly. A healthy stoma should be pink or red, indicating good blood circulation. Any deviation from this color, especially a purplish or dark color, is a sign of potential ischemia or other serious complications that require immediate medical attention.
Full Explanation
Choice A Reason:
A rosebud-like stoma orifice is a normal finding for a newly created colostomy. This appearance indicates that the stoma is healthy and well-formed. The stoma should protrude slightly from the abdomen and have a pink or red color, similar to the inside of the mouth. This indicates good blood flow and proper healing. Therefore, a rosebud-like stoma orifice does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice B Reason:
A stoma oozing red drainage can be concerning, but it is not uncommon for a new stoma to have some minor bleeding or oozing, especially in the immediate postoperative period. This can occur due to the delicate nature of the tissue and the recent surgical intervention. However, if the drainage is excessive or persistent, it should be monitored closely and reported if it does not improve. Minor oozing is generally expected and does not necessarily indicate a serious problem.
Choice C Reason:
A shiny, moist stoma is a normal finding and indicates that the stoma is healthy. The stoma should be moist and have a shiny appearance, similar to the inside of the mouth. This moisture is necessary for the proper function and health of the stoma. Therefore, a shiny, moist stoma does not need to be reported to the provider.
Choice D Reason:
A purplish-colored stoma is an abnormal finding and should be reported to the provider immediately. This discoloration can indicate compromised blood flow to the stoma, which can lead to tissue necrosis if not addressed promptly. A healthy stoma should be pink or red, indicating good blood circulation. Any deviation from this color, especially a purplish or dark color, is a sign of potential ischemia or other serious complications that require immediate medical attention.