A patient is prescribed sucralfate (Carafate) and asks the nurse what the purpose of taking this medication is. Which is the nurse's best response?
- A. The medication helps reduce bacteria levels in the stomach
- B. The medication helps neutralize gastric acid in the stomach
- C. The medication is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa
- D. The medication can reduce the patient's constipation
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Sucralfate (Carafate) is used to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa by forming a protective barrier over ulcers. This barrier helps prevent stomach acid from further damaging the ulcers and promotes healing. It does not directly reduce bacteria levels, neutralize gastric acid, or have a direct effect on constipation.
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A client with a history of stroke is prescribed clopidogrel. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Bleeding
- B. Weight gain
- C. Nausea
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client with a history of stroke is prescribed clopidogrel, the nurse should monitor for potential side effects, especially bleeding. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing blood clots. One of the major risks associated with clopidogrel is an increased tendency to bleed. Therefore, monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, blood in stool or urine, or prolonged bleeding from minor cuts, is crucial to ensure patient safety and early intervention if needed.
A client with a diagnosis of generalized anxiety disorder is prescribed escitalopram. The nurse should instruct the client that this medication may have which potential side effect?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Nausea
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct potential side effect of escitalopram is drowsiness. Escitalopram is known to cause sedation, so clients should be advised to avoid activities that require mental alertness, such as driving, until they know how the medication affects them. Dry mouth, nausea, and headache are also common side effects of various medications but are not specifically associated with escitalopram.
A client with chronic kidney disease is prescribed sucroferric oxyhydroxide. What potential side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Constipation
- C. Nausea
- D. Hyperphosphatemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client with diabetes mellitus is prescribed insulin glargine. What information should the practical nurse (PN) provide to the client about this medication?
- A. Administer the insulin at mealtimes.
- B. Do not mix this insulin with other insulins.
- C. Shake the vial well before use.
- D. Store the insulin in the freezer.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that should not be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe. Mixing it with other insulins can alter its pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. Insulin glargine is usually administered at the same time each day, often at bedtime, to provide a consistent basal level of insulin over 24 hours.
A client has a prescription for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Several pre-filled syringes of low molecular weight heparin are available in the client's medication drawer. Which action should the nurse implement?
- A. Dilute the available heparin in 250ml of normal saline solution prior to IV administration
- B. Advise the pharmacy on the need to deliver a vial of heparin to the nursing unit immediately
- C. Calculate and administer the equivalent dose of the available low molecular weight heparin
- D. Request a prescription to change the route of administration and use the available heparin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should contact the pharmacy to obtain the correct heparin formulation as the prescription calls for heparin 1,000 units IV STAT. Low molecular weight heparin is not the same as unfractionated heparin, and therefore, the nurse should not administer the available low molecular weight heparin without first obtaining the correct medication. Diluting the available heparin, calculating an equivalent dose, or changing the route of administration would not address the discrepancy between the prescribed heparin and the available low molecular weight heparin.