A client is prescribed levothyroxine for hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the medication is effective?
- A. Decreased heart rate
- B. Increased energy levels
- C. Weight loss
- D. Improved mental clarity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Increased energy levels are a key indicator of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine works to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels as the body's metabolism is restored. While the other options may also improve with treatment, increased energy levels directly reflect the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Decreased heart rate can be an indicator of overmedication, weight loss can be attributed to increased metabolism but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of levothyroxine, and improved mental clarity is a more general cognitive improvement that may not directly relate to thyroid function.
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A client has a new prescription for Pancrelipase. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication with meals and snacks.
- B. Expect your urine to turn orange.
- C. Increase your intake of high-calcium foods.
- D. Avoid consuming dairy products.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication with meals and snacks.' Pancrelipase should be taken with meals and snacks to aid in the digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. This timing ensures that the medication functions optimally by assisting in the digestion process when food is present in the gastrointestinal system. Choice B is incorrect because urine discoloration is not a common side effect of Pancrelipase. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific need to increase high-calcium foods with Pancrelipase. Choice D is also incorrect as avoiding dairy products is not necessary when taking Pancrelipase.
When educating a client starting a new prescription for metoprolol, which instruction should the nurse include?
- A. Check your pulse before taking the medication.
- B. Take the medication with food to increase absorption.
- C. Avoid sudden changes in position.
- D. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting metoprolol is to avoid sudden changes in position. Metoprolol can cause dizziness due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and related adverse events. Checking the pulse before taking the medication (Choice A) is not typically necessary for metoprolol. Taking the medication with food (Choice B) is not required for absorption and can be taken with or without food. Monitoring blood pressure regularly (Choice D) is essential for clients taking metoprolol, but avoiding sudden changes in position is more critical to prevent dizziness and falls.
A client has a new prescription for Verapamil to treat angina. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Dry cough
- C. Peripheral edema
- D. Increased urination
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, can cause peripheral edema due to vasodilation. Clients should monitor for this adverse effect characterized by swelling in the extremities. Muscle pain (choice A) is not a common adverse effect of Verapamil. Dry cough (choice B) is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors. Increased urination (choice D) is not a typical adverse effect of Verapamil. Therefore, the correct answer is monitoring for peripheral edema.
A client has been prescribed a new oral hypoglycemic agent for diabetes. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?
- A. I will take this medication with my evening snack.
- B. I will monitor my blood sugar levels before each meal.
- C. I will take this medication as soon as I wake up.
- D. I will follow my exercise plan as usual.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Taking an oral hypoglycemic agent with an evening snack may lead to hypoglycemia during the night. It is important to follow the prescribed timing for medication administration to maintain blood sugar levels within the target range. The medication is usually taken before meals to help control postprandial blood glucose levels effectively. Choice B is correct as monitoring blood sugar levels before each meal is a good practice. Choice C is incorrect as taking the medication upon waking up may align with certain oral hypoglycemic agents' dosing schedules. Choice D is also correct as regular exercise is an important part of managing diabetes.
A healthcare professional is preparing to administer verapamil by IV bolus to a client who is experiencing cardiac dysrhythmias. For which of the following adverse effects should the healthcare professional monitor when giving this medication?
- A. Hyperthermia
- B. Hypotension
- C. Ototoxicity
- D. Muscle pain
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Verapamil is known to cause hypotension as one of its adverse effects due to its vasodilatory properties. Therefore, it is essential for the healthcare professional to monitor the client's blood pressure closely during and after administration to prevent complications such as severe hypotension. Hyperthermia, ototoxicity, and muscle pain are not commonly associated with verapamil administration, making choices A, C, and D incorrect.