Nokea
A nurse is instructing a client about a newly prescribed medication, phenytoin. Which statements, if made by the client, indicate effective teaching?
- A. If my gums get irritated and large, I can stop this medication.
- B. I will need laboratory work to monitor the medication level.
- C. It is okay for me to increase this medication if I have a seizure.
- D. I should take this medication with low protein foods.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Phenytoin requires regular blood level monitoring to ensure therapeutic levels (10-20 mcg/mL). Stopping due to gum hyperplasia, increasing doses without medical advice, or taking with low-protein foods are incorrect.
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The nurse is caring for a client prescribed tizanidine. The nurse understands that this medication has had a therapeutic effect when the client reports
- A. Increased ability to focus
- B. Decreased muscle spasms
- C. Improved short-term memory
- D. Sleeping without awakening at night
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Tizanidine is a muscle relaxant used to treat spasticity. A therapeutic effect is indicated by decreased muscle spasms. Increased focus, improved memory, and better sleep are not primary effects of tizanidine.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with epilepsy. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications? Select all that apply.
- A. Topiramate
- B. Risperidone
- C. Prazosin
- D. Hydroxyzine
- E. Lorazepam
Correct Answer: A,E
Rationale: Topiramate and lorazepam are used for epilepsy (topiramate for seizure prevention, lorazepam for acute seizures). Risperidone, prazosin, and hydroxyzine are not indicated for epilepsy.
The nurse is assessing a client receiving prescribed donepezil. Throughout the duration of therapy, the nurse should monitor the client's
- A. Pulse
- B. Fasting blood glucose
- C. Total cholesterol
- D. Pulse oximetry
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Donepezil, a cholinesterase inhibitor for Alzheimer's, can cause bradycardia due to increased vagal tone. Monitoring pulse is essential. Blood glucose, cholesterol, and pulse oximetry are not typically affected.
The nurse has administered the first dose of prescribed rivastigmine to a client with Alzheimer's disease. Which clinical data is necessary to monitor while this client takes this medication?
- A. Glucose
- B. Weight
- C. Creatinine
- D. Hemoglobin and hematocrit
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Monitoring weight is essential to assess for significant weight loss, which can impact the client's health. Glucose, creatinine, and hemoglobin/hematocrit are not typically affected by rivastigmine.
The nurse observes a novice nurse caring for a client experiencing status epilepticus. Which action by the novice nurse requires immediate intervention?
- A. Prepares to administer intravenous valproate.
- B. Place the client in a lateral position.
- C. Activates the rapid response team (RRT).
- D. Loosens any restrictive clothing.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Valproate is not a first-line treatment for status epilepticus; benzodiazepines like lorazepam are preferred.