Nokea
A client with a new diagnosis of myasthenia gravis is prescribed pyridostigmine (Mestinon). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching?
- A. Take the medication with food to prevent gastrointestinal upset.
- B. Take the medication 30 minutes before meals.
- C. Avoid dairy products while taking this medication.
- D. Take the medication at bedtime.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take the medication 30 minutes before meals. Pyridostigmine is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat myasthenia gravis by improving muscle strength. Taking it before meals helps optimize its effects when muscle strength is needed the most during eating. Taking it with food (A) may delay absorption. Avoiding dairy products (C) is not necessary with pyridostigmine. Taking the medication at bedtime (D) may not be optimal for addressing muscle weakness during meal times.
You may also like to solve these questions
A patient is admitted with a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. What symptom should the nurse expect to find during the assessment?
- A. Joint pain
- B. Muscle weakness
- C. Loss of sensation
- D. Severe headache
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Muscle weakness. Myasthenia gravis is characterized by muscle weakness due to an autoimmune attack on acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to impaired muscle contraction and weakness, especially in the face, neck, and extremities. Joint pain (A) is not a typical symptom of myasthenia gravis. Loss of sensation (C) is more indicative of a sensory nerve disorder rather than a motor disorder like myasthenia gravis. Severe headache (D) is not a common symptom of myasthenia gravis; it is more likely to be associated with other conditions such as migraines or intracranial pathology.
What skin care instructions should the nurse give to a patient receiving external beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment?
- A. Use a heating pad to relieve any pain in the treated area.
- B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the treated area daily.
- C. Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight.
- D. Wash the treated area with hot water and strong soap.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight. This is important because radiation therapy can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risk of sunburn and skin damage. Sun exposure can worsen skin reactions and delay healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat sources like heating pads can exacerbate skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect as alcohol-based lotions can further irritate the skin. Choice D is incorrect as hot water and strong soap can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Overall, protecting the treated area from sunlight is crucial for optimal skin care during radiation therapy.
Which problem in a client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- B. Increasing sharp pain related to compartment syndrome.
- C. Increasing burning pain related to a Morton's neuroma.
- D. Increasing sharp pain related to plantar fasciitis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage and loss of limb function. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome (A) are not life-threatening and can be managed conservatively. Morton's neuroma (C) and plantar fasciitis (D) are painful conditions, but they do not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or limb function.
A client with liver cirrhosis is prescribed lactulose. What is the purpose of this medication?
- A. To lower blood sugar levels
- B. To reduce ammonia levels
- C. To treat liver inflammation
- D. To improve bile flow
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rationale: Lactulose is prescribed for liver cirrhosis to reduce ammonia levels. It works by promoting the excretion of ammonia in the stool, preventing its accumulation in the bloodstream. This helps prevent hepatic encephalopathy, a serious complication of cirrhosis. Other choices are incorrect because lactulose does not directly affect blood sugar levels, liver inflammation, or bile flow in the context of liver cirrhosis.
The healthcare professional is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute.
- B. Nausea and vomiting.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nausea and vomiting. This finding requires immediate intervention because digoxin toxicity can present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This can indicate an overdose of digoxin, which can be life-threatening. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further complications.
A: Heart rate of 58 beats per minute is within the therapeutic range for digoxin and does not require immediate intervention.
C: Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is also within normal limits and does not indicate an urgent issue.
D: Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart failure but is not a direct indication of digoxin toxicity requiring immediate intervention.