A client with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). The nurse should teach the client about which potential side effect?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Diarrhea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Muscle pain is a common side effect of statins like simvastatin and can indicate a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and to promptly report any muscle pain to the healthcare provider.
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The client with heart failure is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). The nurse should monitor the client for which sign of digoxin toxicity?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Insomnia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
The healthcare provider is reviewing the medication orders for a client with angina pectoris. Which medication is typically prescribed to prevent angina attacks?
- A. Aspirin
- B. Nitroglycerin
- C. Atenolol
- D. Simvastatin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Nitroglycerin is the medication typically prescribed to prevent angina attacks. It works by dilating blood vessels, increasing blood flow, and reducing the heart's workload, hence relieving angina symptoms. Aspirin is often used to prevent blood clots, Atenolol is a beta-blocker used to manage high blood pressure and chest pain, and Simvastatin is a statin medication primarily used to lower cholesterol levels.
A client has a new prescription for rifampin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Expect red-orange discoloration of body fluids.
- C. Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia.
- D. Avoid consuming dairy products.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to inform the client to expect red-orange discoloration of body fluids when taking rifampin. This side effect is harmless but can be surprising to patients. It is important for the nurse to educate the client about this expected change to prevent unnecessary concern or alarm. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is not directly related to rifampin, and taking the medication with food or avoiding dairy products are not specific instructions for this medication.
A client who had a myocardial infarction (MI) two days ago reports chest pain radiating to the left arm. What should the nurse do immediately?
- A. Administer morphine
- B. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG)
- C. Apply oxygen via nasal cannula
- D. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Obtaining an ECG is crucial in this situation because it helps in assessing for potential complications, such as a recurrent MI or ongoing ischemia. This diagnostic test provides valuable information to guide further interventions and treatment. Administering morphine, oxygen, or nitroglycerin may be necessary but obtaining an ECG takes precedence to evaluate the cardiac status and determine the appropriate course of action.
A client with peripheral artery disease (PAD) complains of pain in the legs while walking. Which instruction should the LPN/LVN reinforce to help alleviate the client's symptoms?
- A. Walk until the pain becomes severe, then rest.
- B. Perform leg exercises while sitting.
- C. Elevate the legs on pillows while resting.
- D. Take frequent breaks and walk shorter distances.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.