The nurse understands that which of the ff. is a side effect most likely to be reported by patients receiving enalapril maleate (Vasotec)?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, and a common side effect is a dry, persistent cough due to the accumulation of bradykinin. This is a distinctive side effect of ACE inhibitors and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Acne (A), diarrhea (B), and heartburn (D) are not commonly associated with enalapril use and are less likely side effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Respiratory acidosis. Aspirin can lead to respiratory acidosis due to its effect on the respiratory center in the brainstem. It causes hyperventilation, leading to respiratory alkalosis initially, followed by respiratory acidosis as compensation mechanism fails. Weight gain is not a typical adverse reaction of aspirin. Fine motor tremors are not associated with aspirin therapy. Bilateral hearing loss is a rare but serious side effect of aspirin overdose, not prolonged therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Dopar. Dopar is a drug that increases dopamine levels by converting into dopamine in the brain. This directly restores dopaminergic activities. Artane (A) is an anticholinergic used for Parkinson's symptoms, Elavil (B) is a tricyclic antidepressant, and Benadryl (C) is an antihistamine, none of which directly target dopaminergic activities like Dopar does.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: sitting at the side of the bed with both arms resting on a locked overbed table. This position allows for better lung expansion and easier access to the thoracic cavity during the procedure. Sitting position helps in maximizing lung volume and facilitates drainage of pleural effusion. Arms resting on a locked overbed table helps the patient maintain a stable position and reduces the risk of movement during the procedure. Other choices are incorrect because supine position (A) may not allow for optimal lung expansion, high fowler's position (C) may not provide easy access to the thoracic cavity, and semi-fowlers position (D) may not facilitate efficient drainage of pleural effusion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Widening pulse pressure. This indicates increasing intracranial pressure (ICP) as it signifies a significant difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure. A widening pulse pressure is a key sign of impending herniation and requires immediate intervention. A: Gradual increase does not provide a clear indication of acute changes in ICP. C: Rapid drop followed by gradual increase may suggest other conditions and is not specific to increasing ICP. D: Rapid fluctuations may occur in various scenarios and do not specifically point to increasing ICP. In summary, a widening pulse pressure is the most critical and specific indicator of increasing ICP among the choices provided.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Levodopa. Levodopa is associated with the on-off phenomenon and wearing-off effect in Parkinson's disease treatment due to fluctuations in its effectiveness over time. The on-off phenomenon refers to sudden and unpredictable changes in motor function, while wearing-off effect occurs when the medication's effects diminish before the next dose. Amantadine (A) is not typically associated with these phenomena. Benztropine (C) is an anticholinergic used for tremors and rigidity. Pramixole (D) is a dopamine agonist that can cause dyskinesias but is not primarily linked to on-off or wearing-off effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Use the smallest needle possible for injections. In a client with thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), there is an increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Using the smallest needle possible for injections reduces the risk of causing injury to blood vessels and tissues, minimizing bleeding complications. Limiting visits by family members (choice A) is not directly related to protecting the client's safety. Encouraging wheelchair use (choice B) is not necessary unless indicated for mobility reasons. Maintaining accurate fluid intake and output records (choice D) is important for overall client care but does not directly address the risk of bleeding in thrombocytopenia.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Auscultate lung sounds. By auscultating lung sounds, the nurse can assess for changes in breath sounds which can indicate improvement or deterioration in the patient's condition. This helps monitor the effectiveness of therapy for a pneumothorax and chest-drainage system. Palpating for crepitus (A) is not directly related to monitoring therapy effectiveness. Documenting sputum color and amount (B) is important but does not specifically monitor therapy effectiveness. Monitoring suction level (D) is crucial but does not directly assess the patient's response to therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in surgical asepsis, sterile articles should not touch other sterile articles or surfaces to maintain sterility. Choice B is correct as surgical team gowns are sterile in front. Choice C is correct as any breach makes the area contaminated. Choice D is correct as sterile drapes create a sterile field.