What does it mean when a medication has a half-life?
- A. It only lasts for 30 minutes after the medication is given
- B. How long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream
- C. It is the peak of how effective the medicine is
- D. Drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is crucial in understanding the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications in clinical practice. Choice A is incorrect as the half-life is not about how long the medication lasts but about elimination from the body. Choice C is incorrect because the half-life is not about the peak effectiveness of the medicine. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately define the concept of half-life.
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When teaching a client who has a new prescription for Ciprofloxacin, which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication with an antacid.
- B. Avoid direct sunlight.
- C. Increase your intake of dairy products.
- D. Expect urine to turn orange.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Ciprofloxacin is to avoid direct sunlight. Ciprofloxacin can cause photosensitivity, increasing the risk of sunburn. Clients should be advised to avoid direct sunlight and wear protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses when going outdoors to prevent skin damage. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking Ciprofloxacin with an antacid can reduce its absorption, so they should not be taken together. Increasing dairy product intake is not necessary or relevant to taking Ciprofloxacin. While Ciprofloxacin can discolor urine, turning it orange, this is not a critical side effect that requires specific instructions for the client.
A client has a new prescription for Warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Monitor for signs of bleeding.
- B. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- C. Expect to have increased urination.
- D. Take the medication with an antacid.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting Warfarin is to monitor for signs of bleeding. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that increases the risk of bleeding; therefore, it is crucial for the client to watch for any signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, prolonged bleeding from cuts, blood in urine or stools, or unusual bleeding from gums or nose. If any of these signs occur, the client should promptly report them to their healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding foods high in vitamin K is related to other medications like Coumadin, increased urination is not a common side effect of Warfarin, and taking Warfarin with an antacid can potentially interfere with its absorption.
Which of the following should the nurse include when providing dietary teaching for the patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy?
- A. Avoid drinking large amounts of green te
- C. Cranberry juice will provide you with needed nutrients while taking Coumadin.
- D. You must never eat spinach.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin (Coumadin) therapy because green tea contains vitamin K, which can interfere with the anticoagulant effects of warfarin. Maintaining consistent intake of vitamin K is important to ensure the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Therefore, it is recommended for patients on warfarin to consume a consistent amount of vitamin K-containing foods and avoid sudden, significant changes in their intake.
A client has a new prescription for Alendronate to treat osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication with a full glass of water after rising in the morning.
- B. Lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
- C. Take the medication before bedtime to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.
- D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce if having difficulty swallowing.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction is to take Alendronate with a full glass of water after rising in the morning. This helps reduce the risk of esophageal irritation, as the medication can cause irritation if not taken correctly. Taking it before bedtime (choice C) can increase the risk of irritation as the individual lies down. Lying down after taking the medication (choice B) can also lead to esophageal irritation. Crushing the tablet (choice D) is not recommended as Alendronate should be taken whole with a full glass of water.
A client is undergoing preparation for extensive colorectal surgery. Which of the following oral antibiotics should be administered to suppress normal flora in the GI tract?
- A. Kanamycin
- B. Gentamicin
- C. Neomycin
- D. Tobramycin
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Neomycin. Neomycin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is administered orally before GI surgery to eliminate the normal flora in the large intestine. This helps reduce the risk of postoperative infections by decreasing the bacterial load in the gut. Choices A, B, and D (Kanamycin, Gentamicin, Tobramycin) are not typically used to suppress normal flora in the GI tract before colorectal surgery.