- (Topic 2)
The nurse is teaching a mother care of her child??s spica cast. The mother states that he complains of itching under the edge of the cast. One nonpharmacological technique the nurse might suggest would be:

1. A. ??Blowing air under the cast using a hair dryer on cool setting often relieves itching.??
2. B. ??Slide a ruler under the cast and scratch the area.??
3. C. ??Guide a towel under and through the cast and moveit back and forth to relieve the itch.??
4. D. ??Gently thump on cast to dislodge dried skin that causes the itching.??

Correct Answer: A
(A) Cool air will often relieve pruritus without damaging the cast or irritating the skin. (B) The nurse should never force anything under the cast, because the cast may become damaged and skin breakdown may occur. (C) Forcing an object under the cast could lead to cast damage and skin breakdown. The object may become lodged under the cast necessitating cast removal. (D) This technique does not dislodge skin cells. It could damage the cast and cause skin breakdown.

- (Topic 1)
A client has been diagnosed as being preeclamptic. The physician orders magnesium sulfate. Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is used in the management of preeclampsia for:

1. A. Prevention of seizures
2. B. Prevention of uterine contractions
3. C. Sedation
4. D. Fetal lung protection

Correct Answer: A
(A) MgSO4 is classified as an anticonvulsant drug. In preeclampsia management, MgSO4 is used for prevention of seizures. (B) MgSO4 has been used to inhibit hyperactive labor, but results are questionable. (C) Negative side effects such as respiratory depression should not be confused with generalized sedation. (D) MgSO4 does not affect lung maturity. The infant should be assessed for neuromuscular and respiratory depression.

- (Topic 2)
Other drugs may be ordered to manage a client??s ulcerative colitis. Which of the following medications, if ordered, would the nurse question?

1. A. Methylprednisolone sodium succinate (Solu-Medrol)
2. B. Loperamide (Imodium)
3. C. Psyllium
4. D. 6-Mercaptopurine

Correct Answer: D
(A) Methylprednisolone sodium succinate is used for its anti-inflammatory effects. (B) Loperamide would be used to control diarrhea. (C) Psyllium may improve consistency of stools by providing bulk. (D) An immunosuppressant such as 6-mercaptopurine is used for chronic unrelenting Crohn??s disease.

- (Topic 1)
A 55-year-old man is admitted to the hospital with complaints of fatigue, jaundice, anorexia, and clay-colored stools. His admitting diagnosis is ??rule out hepatitis.?? Laboratory studies reveal elevated liver enzymes and bilirubin. In obtaining his health history, the nurse should assess his potential for exposure to hepatitis.
Which of the following represents a high-risk group for contracting this disease?

1. A. Heterosexual males
2. B. Oncology nurses
3. C. American Indians
4. D. Jehovah??s Witnesses

Correct Answer: B
(A) Homosexual males, not heterosexual males, are at high risk for contracting hepatitis.
(B) Oncology nurses are employed in high-risk areas and perform invasive procedures that expose them to potential sources of infection. (C) The literature does not support the idea that any ethnic groups are at higher risk. (D) There is no evidence that any religious groups are at higher risk.

- (Topic 3)
A client was prescribed a major tranquilizer 2 months ago. One month ago she was placed on benztropine (Cogentin). What would indicate that benztropine therapy is effective?

1. A. Smooth, coordinated voluntary movement
2. B. Tremors
3. C. Rigidity
4. D. Muscle weakness

Correct Answer: A
(A) Benztropine is prescribed to decrease or alleviate extrapyramidal side effects of major tranquilizers. Smooth, coordinated voluntary movement indicates minimal extrapyramidal side effects. (B) Tremors are an extrapyramidal side effect. (C) Rigidity is an extrapyramidal side effect. (D) Muscle weakness is an extrapyramidal side effect.