A client with rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed methotrexate. The nurse should include which instruction in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- B. Take this medication with food to decrease gastrointestinal upset.
- C. Avoid sunlight while taking this medication.
- D. Report any signs of infection to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed methotrexate is to avoid sunlight while taking this medication. Methotrexate can increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to skin reactions, so clients should limit sun exposure and use protective measures like sunscreen and clothing coverage to prevent adverse effects.
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A client has been prescribed losartan. Which change in data indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the desired effect of this medication has been achieved?
- A. Dependent edema reduced from +3 to +1.
- B. Serum HDL increased from 35 to 55 mg/dL.
- C. Pulse rate reduced from 150 to 90 beats/min.
- D. Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. Losartan is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. The desired effect of losartan is to reduce blood pressure. Therefore, a reduction in blood pressure from 160/90 to 130/80 mm Hg indicates that the desired effect of the medication has been achieved. Choices A, B, and C are not specific effects of losartan and do not directly relate to the expected outcomes of this medication.
A client is prescribed lisinopril for hypertension. What potential adverse effect should the practical nurse (PN) instruct the client to monitor for?
- A. Persistent cough
- B. Constipation
- C. Increased appetite
- D. Dry skin
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Lisinopril, an ACE inhibitor, commonly causes a persistent dry cough as an adverse effect. This cough is distinctive and different from other causes of cough. It is essential for the client to be aware of this potential side effect as it can indicate a serious issue. Instructing the client to monitor for a persistent cough and report it to the healthcare provider promptly is crucial to ensure timely intervention and management.
A healthcare professional prepares to administer a scheduled dose of labetalol by mouth to a client with hypertension. The client's heart rate is 48 beats/min, respirations are 16 breaths/min, and blood pressure is 150/90 mmHg.
- A. Administer the dose and monitor the client's blood pressure regularly
- B. Apply a telemetry monitor before administering the dose
- C. Assess for orthostatic hypotension before administering the dose
- D. Withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The client's low heart rate of 48 beats/min indicates bradycardia, a potential side effect of labetalol. Administering the dose in this case could further lower the heart rate, potentially causing adverse effects. Therefore, it is crucial to withhold the scheduled dose and notify the healthcare provider for further assessment and guidance.
In the immediate postoperative period, a client is prescribed morphine via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which finding should the PN consider the highest priority in this client?
- A. Monitoring the expiration date of the PCA morphine
- B. Assessing the rate and depth of the client's respirations
- C. Reviewing the type of anesthesia used during the surgery
- D. Observing the client's signs of disorientation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The highest priority for the PN is to assess the rate and depth of the client's respirations when a client is receiving morphine via a PCA pump. Respiratory depression is a life-threatening side effect of intravenous morphine administration. If the client's respiratory rate falls below 10 breaths/min, the PCA pump should be stopped, and the healthcare provider must be notified immediately to prevent further complications.
A client is taking levodopa-carbidopa for Parkinson's disease. The nurse should include which instruction when educating the client about this medication?
- A. Increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
- B. Take medication at bedtime to avoid daytime drowsiness.
- C. Take medication with food to improve absorption.
- D. It can cause nausea and dizziness.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct instruction for a client taking levodopa-carbidopa for Parkinson's disease is to increase fluid intake to prevent dehydration. Levodopa-carbidopa should be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal upset and improve absorption. Taking medication at bedtime is not necessary to avoid daytime drowsiness, and it is essential to prevent dehydration due to the medication's side effects.