A client who has just started taking levodopa-carbidopa (Sinemet) for Parkinson's disease reports experiencing nausea. What should the nurse recommend to the client?
- A. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Consume a low-protein snack with the medication.
- C. Increase your intake of dairy products.
- D. Stop taking the medication and notify your healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Consume a low-protein snack with the medication. This is because levodopa absorption is improved when taken with a low-protein snack, reducing the risk of nausea. Choice A is incorrect as taking the medication on an empty stomach can exacerbate nausea. Choice C is incorrect as increasing dairy intake can interfere with levodopa absorption. Choice D is incorrect as abruptly stopping the medication can worsen Parkinson's symptoms.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with hyperthyroidism is prescribed propylthiouracil (PTU). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's discharge teaching?
- A. Report any signs of infection, such as sore throat or fever, to your healthcare provider.'
- B. Increase your intake of iodine-rich foods, such as seafood and dairy products.'
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach for better absorption.'
- D. You may experience weight gain and fatigue as side effects of the medication.'
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Report any signs of infection, such as sore throat or fever, to your healthcare provider." This is important because PTU can cause agranulocytosis, a serious side effect that can lead to severe infections. By reporting signs of infection early, the healthcare provider can monitor the client's blood counts and adjust treatment if necessary.
Choice B is incorrect because increasing intake of iodine-rich foods can worsen hyperthyroidism. Choice C is incorrect because PTU should be taken with food to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Choice D is incorrect because weight gain and fatigue are not common side effects of PTU; in fact, weight loss and hyperactivity are more common.
A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). Which laboratory value requires immediate intervention?
- A. Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL.
- B. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) of 200 mg/dL.
- C. Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL.
- D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL) of 40 mg/dL.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: LDL of 200 mg/dL. Elevated LDL levels are a major risk factor for CAD and require immediate intervention. Atorvastatin (Lipitor) is used to lower LDL levels. High LDL contributes to plaque buildup in arteries.
A: Total cholesterol of 180 mg/dL is within the normal range and doesn't require immediate intervention.
C: Triglycerides of 150 mg/dL are also within the normal range and don't pose an immediate risk.
D: HDL of 40 mg/dL is considered low, but it is not as critical as high LDL levels in the context of CAD.
The healthcare provider is assessing a client with Raynaud's phenomenon. Which finding should the healthcare provider expect?
- A. Thickened and hardened skin.
- B. Painless ulcers on the fingertips.
- C. Episodes of cyanosis and pallor in the fingers.
- D. Red, scaly patches on the hands.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Episodes of cyanosis and pallor in the fingers. Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasms of small arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and color changes in the digits. Cyanosis (bluish discoloration) and pallor (pale color) are common during episodes. Thickened and hardened skin (A) is associated with scleroderma. Painless ulcers on the fingertips (B) are seen in advanced stages of systemic sclerosis. Red, scaly patches on the hands (D) are indicative of psoriasis, not Raynaud's phenomenon.
A client with newly diagnosed hypertension is prescribed enalapril (Vasotec). Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?
- A. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
- B. Report any persistent cough to your healthcare provider.
- C. Take the medication with a full meal.
- D. Avoid grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Report any persistent cough to your healthcare provider. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a dry, persistent cough as a side effect. This cough can be a sign of a serious condition called angioedema. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to report any cough to their healthcare provider promptly to assess and manage it.
Incorrect choices:
A: Increasing intake of potassium-rich foods is not necessary when taking enalapril, as it does not typically cause potassium imbalances.
C: Enalapril can be taken with or without food, so taking it with a full meal is not a specific instruction.
D: Avoiding grapefruit juice is typically recommended for medications metabolized by the CYP3A4 enzyme, which enalapril is not.
A client is scheduled for a colonoscopy. Which instruction should the nurse provide?
- A. Eat a light breakfast on the day of the procedure.
- B. You will need to drink a bowel preparation solution before the procedure.
- C. Avoid all liquids for 24 hours before the procedure.
- D. You can continue taking your blood thinners until the day of the procedure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because drinking a bowel preparation solution helps clear the colon for better visualization during the colonoscopy. This step is crucial to ensure accuracy of the procedure. Choice A is incorrect as the client should have a clear liquid diet the day before the procedure. Choice C is incorrect as hydration is important, but clear liquids are allowed. Choice D is incorrect because blood thinners may need to be adjusted prior to the procedure to reduce bleeding risk.