When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, which electrolyte should the nurse prioritize monitoring?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is D) Potassium. When a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin, the nurse should prioritize monitoring potassium levels. Glucocorticoids can cause potassium depletion, leading to hypokalemia. Digoxin, on the other hand, can cause toxicity, especially in the presence of low potassium levels, which can potentiate its effects on the heart and increase the risk of serious cardiac arrhythmias. A) Calcium is not the most critical electrolyte to monitor in this case. While it is important for muscle and nerve function, it is not directly affected by the combination of glucocorticoids and digoxin. B) Magnesium is also important for muscle and nerve function, but it is not the priority electrolyte to monitor when a patient is taking glucocorticoids and digoxin. C) Sodium levels are typically not significantly impacted by glucocorticoids and digoxin in a way that would necessitate prioritizing monitoring compared to potassium in this specific scenario. Educationally, understanding the interactions between medications and electrolyte imbalances is crucial for pediatric nurses. This knowledge helps in providing safe and effective care to pediatric patients, especially those on multiple medications with potential interactions. Prioritizing monitoring based on these interactions can prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the most important question for the nurse to ask the patient with Parkinson's disease who is taking levodopa/carbidopa (Sinemet) is option B: "Are you having vivid dreams or hallucinations?" This question is crucial because levodopa, a common medication for Parkinson's disease, can lead to side effects such as vivid dreams or hallucinations. It is essential for the nurse to assess for these symptoms as they can impact the patient's overall well-being and quality of life. Option A, asking about swelling in the feet, is less relevant in this case as it is not a common side effect of levodopa/carbidopa. Option C, inquiring about changes in stool, is also less important as it is not directly related to the medication or the management of Parkinson's disease. Option D, asking about the flu vaccine, while important for overall health, is not as pertinent during a semi-annual physical examination specifically for a patient with Parkinson's disease on levodopa/carbidopa. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding common side effects of medications used to treat specific conditions. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be knowledgeable about potential medication side effects and to prioritize assessments based on the specific medications and conditions their patients have. This rationale underscores the significance of comprehensive patient assessments in providing safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Isotretinoin is highly teratogenic, which means it can cause birth defects. Therefore, it is crucial for patients, especially females of childbearing potential, to use effective forms of birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. This is a key component of patient teaching to ensure the safe use of isotretinoin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pediatric nursing, understanding therapeutic techniques is crucial for providing effective care to children. The correct answer to the question is C) Grading. Grading refers to the process in therapy where the therapist adjusts the level of an activity to match the child's current abilities, making it slightly more challenging as the child progresses. A) Compensating involves making up for a deficiency or disability, which is not the case in this scenario. B) Adapting typically refers to changing the environment or task to suit the child's needs, rather than bringing the toy closer for better access. D) Modifying usually involves altering the activity itself, not just adjusting the distance of an object. Educationally, understanding these terms is vital for pediatric nurses to effectively communicate with therapists and implement appropriate interventions for children in their care. Grading specifically helps promote skill development in a progressive manner, supporting the child's growth and success in therapy sessions.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: To calculate the corrected age of a premature child, you need to adjust for the weeks of prematurity. In this case, the child was born at 30 weeks gestation. From May 2, 2014, to August 5, 2014, is a span of 14 weeks. Subtracting the 30 weeks of gestation from the total time passed (14 weeks) gives the corrected age, which is 14 - 30 = -16 weeks. Since negative weeks are not relevant here, the corrected age is 0 weeks, which is equivalent to 2 weeks.