A client with a history of coronary artery disease is prescribed atorvastatin (Lipitor). What side effect should the nurse instruct the client to immediately report?
- A. Muscle pain or tenderness
- B. Constipation
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Muscle pain or tenderness.' This can be a sign of rhabdomyolysis, a serious side effect of statins like atorvastatin (Lipitor). Rhabdomyolysis is a condition in which muscle breakdown releases a protein that can damage the kidneys. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to report any muscle pain or tenderness immediately to prevent further complications. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they are not typically associated with atorvastatin (Lipitor) use or indicative of a serious adverse effect that requires immediate reporting.
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A client with a history of angina pectoris reports chest pain after climbing stairs. What should be the nurse's first action?
- A. Administer oxygen.
- B. Administer nitroglycerin.
- C. Sit the client down and rest.
- D. Check the client's blood pressure.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct action for a client experiencing anginal pain, like chest pain after climbing stairs, is to sit the client down and have them rest. Resting reduces myocardial oxygen demand, which can help relieve anginal pain. Administering oxygen or nitroglycerin may be appropriate interventions after the client has been seated and rested. Checking the client's blood pressure is important but not the immediate priority when a client is experiencing anginal pain. Therefore, the first action should be to sit the client down and allow them to rest.
Phase IV clinical trials in the United States are also known as:
- A. Human bioavailability trials
- B. Post marketing research
- C. Human safety and efficacy studies
- D. The last stage of animal trials before the human trials begin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because phase IV trials occur after drug approval, monitoring long-term effects and safety in the general population, known as post-marketing research. Choice A is incorrect as bioavailability is studied earlier, like phase I. Choice C is wrong because safety and efficacy are pre-approval (phases I-III). Choice D is incorrect since phase IV isn't animal-based—it's post-approval human study.
Drugs that should be avoided in the elderly include:
- A. Acetaminophen
- B. Amitriptyline
- C. Amoxicillin
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is avoided in the elderly (per Beers Criteria) due to anticholinergic effects causing confusion, constipation, and falls. Choice A is incorrect as acetaminophen is safe. Choice C is wrong because amoxicillin is appropriate with dose adjustment. Choice D is incorrect since only amitriptyline fits.
Men may require higher doses of which drug class due to differences in body composition?
- A. Lipid-soluble drugs
- B. Water-soluble drugs
- C. Drugs that are highly protein bound
- D. All of the above
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Choice B is correct because men's greater lean mass dilutes water-soluble drugs, often requiring higher doses for efficacy, unlike others. Choice A is incorrect as lipid-soluble drugs align with fat, lower in men. Choice C is wrong because protein binding isn't sex-specific here. Choice D is incorrect since only water-soluble drugs apply.
A client with a history of angina pectoris complains of substernal chest pain. The nurse checks the client's blood pressure and administers nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually. Five minutes later, the client is still experiencing chest pain. If the blood pressure is still stable, what should the nurse do next?
- A. Administer another nitroglycerin tablet.
- B. Apply 1 to 3 L/minute of oxygen via nasal cannula.
- C. Call for a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) to be performed.
- D. Wait an additional 5 minutes, then give a second nitroglycerin tablet.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client with angina pectoris continues to experience chest pain despite initial nitroglycerin administration and stable blood pressure, the appropriate next step is to administer another nitroglycerin tablet. This helps to further dilate coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle and relieving chest pain. Applying oxygen via nasal cannula (Choice B) may be necessary if the client displays signs of respiratory distress or hypoxemia, but in this case, the priority is addressing the unresolved chest pain. Calling for a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (Choice C) is important to assess for any changes in the client's cardiac status, but administering another nitroglycerin tablet takes precedence in managing the ongoing chest pain. Waiting an additional 5 minutes before giving a second nitroglycerin tablet (Choice D) may delay symptom relief and potentially worsen the client's condition if the chest pain persists.