A client whose seizure disorder has been managed with phenytoin is admitted to the emergency department with status epilepticus. Which drug should the practical nurse anticipate being prescribed for administration to treat these seizures?
- A. Phenytoin
- B. Diazepam
- C. Phenobarbital
- D. Carbamazepine
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In the management of status epilepticus, which is a life-threatening condition of prolonged seizures, rapid intervention is crucial. Diazepam is the drug of choice for treating status epilepticus due to its fast onset of action and effectiveness in stopping seizures. It acts by enhancing the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA to suppress seizure activity quickly. Phenytoin, although used for long-term seizure control, has a slower onset of action and is not the first-line medication for managing status epilepticus.
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A client diagnosed with a herniated disc is prescribed hydrocodone/acetaminophen 10 mg/300 mg prn every 4 to 6 hours. As the practical nurse (PN) enters the client's room to administer the requested medication, the client is seen talking and laughing with visiting family. What action should the PN take?
- A. Hold the pain medication until after the visitors leave.
- B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client's drug-seeking behavior.
- C. Administer analgesia as requested by the client.
- D. Inform the client that the medication is not needed based on their behavior.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for the PN in this situation is to administer the analgesia as requested by the client. Pain management is based on the client's self-report of pain, which is the most reliable indicator of pain intensity. Analgesics should be given promptly when pain occurs and before it worsens. Following the administration of medication, the PN should discuss the situation with the charge nurse for further guidance or assessment.
The healthcare provider has prescribed an influenza vaccine for a 74-year-old client before discharge. Which client condition would prompt the practical nurse to consult with the charge nurse rather than administer the vaccine?
- A. History of congestive heart failure
- B. History of an egg allergy
- C. History of pneumococcal vaccination
- D. History of end-stage renal disease
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: History of an egg allergy. The influenza vaccine may contain a small amount of egg protein. According to the CDC, individuals with a severe allergy to any component of the vaccine, including egg protein, should not receive the influenza vaccine. Therefore, if the client has a history of an allergy to eggs, the practical nurse should not administer the vaccine and consult with the charge nurse for further guidance, as it is a contraindication. The other conditions listed do not require consultation before administering the influenza vaccine.
A client is prescribed metoprolol. The nurse should monitor for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Dizziness
- B. Fatigue
- C. Orthostatic hypotension
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dizziness. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, can lead to dizziness as a common side effect due to its mechanism of action in reducing heart rate and blood pressure. This effect can cause a sensation of lightheadedness or unsteadiness, particularly when standing up quickly. While fatigue, orthostatic hypotension, and headache are potential side effects of metoprolol, dizziness is commonly observed and should be closely monitored by the nurse to ensure patient safety.
A client who was diagnosed with oral thrush calls the clinic saying the medication bottle broke and all of the medication was spilled. The client is requesting a refill order. The nurse should contact the health care provider about a refill for which medication?
- A. Ampicillin
- B. Ciprofloxacin
- C. Neomycin sulfate
- D. Nystatin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Nystatin is the appropriate medication for treating oral thrush as it is an antifungal drug specifically used for fungal infections. It targets the fungus responsible for thrush, Candida, effectively. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to request a refill of Nystatin for the client.
A client with hypertension is prescribed metoprolol. The healthcare provider should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Bradycardia
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.