A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed metformin. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take this medication with meals.
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Report any signs of lactic acidosis to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed metformin is to take the medication with meals. Taking metformin with meals helps to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, which are common with this medication. Choice B, avoiding alcohol, is a good practice due to the increased risk of lactic acidosis when alcohol is consumed with metformin; however, it is not the priority teaching point in this scenario. Taking metformin on an empty stomach (Choice C) is incorrect because it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects. Reporting signs of lactic acidosis (Choice D) is important, but it is more related to monitoring for adverse effects rather than a primary teaching point for administration.
You may also like to solve these questions
A client with hypertension is prescribed clonidine. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Dizziness
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Clonidine, a medication used to treat hypertension, can cause a lowering of blood pressure leading to hypotension as a potential side effect. Monitoring for hypotension is essential to prevent complications such as dizziness, fainting, or falls. Option B, Tachycardia, is incorrect as clonidine typically causes bradycardia or a decreased heart rate. Option C, Dizziness, can occur due to hypotension caused by clonidine. Option D, Hyperglycemia, is not a common side effect associated with clonidine use.
A client admitted with shortness of breath and palpitations currently takes an antiarrhythmic medication, dronedarone. Which action should the nurse take to prevent arrhythmias?
- A. Measure orthostatic blood pressure
- B. Obtain a 12-lead ECG reading daily
- C. Assess the client's apical pulse daily
- D. Provide continuous ECG monitoring
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct action to prevent arrhythmias in a client taking an antiarrhythmic medication like dronedarone is to provide continuous ECG monitoring. This is essential because antiarrhythmic drugs can sometimes cause pro-arrhythmic effects, which may lead to dangerous heart rhythm disturbances. Continuous ECG monitoring allows for real-time detection of any abnormal rhythms, enabling prompt intervention. Measuring orthostatic blood pressure, obtaining a 12-lead ECG reading daily, and assessing the client's apical pulse daily are important assessments in general patient care but may not specifically prevent arrhythmias in this scenario.
A client with chronic pain is prescribed oxycodone. What instruction should the practical nurse (PN) include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take the medication with meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset.
- B. Avoid taking the medication with alcohol.
- C. Increase fluid intake to avoid constipation.
- D. Report any signs of respiratory depression to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to avoid taking oxycodone with alcohol. Mixing oxycodone with alcohol can lead to serious side effects, including respiratory depression. Taking the medication with meals may not always be necessary, and instructions about fluid intake to avoid constipation are important but not the priority when considering the immediate risks associated with oxycodone. While reporting signs of respiratory depression is crucial, preventing it by avoiding alcohol is key in the client's safety.
A client with hypertension is prescribed valsartan. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential side effect?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Hyponatremia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypotension. Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker that can cause hypotension as a side effect by dilating blood vessels. Monitoring blood pressure is crucial to prevent complications related to low blood pressure. Choice B, Tachycardia, is incorrect because valsartan typically does not cause an increase in heart rate. Choice C, Hyperglycemia, is not a common side effect of valsartan. Choice D, Hyponatremia, is also unlikely with valsartan use.
A client with an exacerbation of asthma is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should assess the client for which common side effect of this medication?
- A. Tremors
- B. Nausea and vomiting
- C. Insomnia
- D. Dry mouth
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tremors. Albuterol, a beta-agonist medication commonly used to treat asthma exacerbations, can lead to tremors as a side effect. Tremors result from the stimulation of beta-2 receptors in muscles, particularly in the hands. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are generally not common side effects of albuterol. Insomnia (Choice C) is less likely to occur with albuterol, as it is a stimulant and can cause alertness rather than sleep disturbances. Dry mouth (Choice D) is not a typical side effect associated with albuterol use.