A nurse is providing discharge instructions for a client who has a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take the medication before bed.
- B. Monitor for increased blood pressure.
- C. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Monitor for leg cramps.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Monitor for leg cramps.' Leg cramps may indicate hypokalemia, an adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide, and should be reported to the provider. Choice A is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is usually taken in the morning to avoid nocturia. Choice B is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that helps lower blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide can be taken with or without food.
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A client with Addison's disease is being admitted for a total hip arthroplasty. The client takes hydrocortisone for Addison's disease. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administering a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone
- B. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing
- C. Collecting additional information from the client about his history of Addison's disease
- D. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse's priority in this situation is to administer a supplemental dose of hydrocortisone. Clients with Addison's disease taking hydrocortisone are at risk of acute adrenal insufficiency during times of stress such as surgery. Administering supplemental doses of hydrocortisone helps prevent acute adrenal insufficiency (adrenal crisis) in these situations, making it the priority action to ensure the client's safety. Instructing the client about coughing and deep breathing is important postoperatively but not the priority at this time. Collecting additional information about the client's history of Addison's disease is important but not the priority action before surgery. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter is not the priority in this situation.
When teaching a client with a prescription for long-term use of oral prednisone for chronic asthma, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Nervousness
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. Weight gain and fluid retention are common adverse effects of oral prednisone due to sodium and water retention. Patients on long-term prednisone therapy should be advised to monitor their weight closely and report any significant changes to their healthcare provider. Choice B, 'Nervousness,' is not typically associated with oral prednisone use. Choice C, 'Bradycardia,' refers to a slow heart rate, which is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. Choice D, 'Constipation,' is not a typical adverse effect of oral prednisone; instead, gastrointestinal disturbances like increased appetite or even peptic ulcer disease may occur.
A provider prescribes phenobarbital for a client who has a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day should the nurse expect to administer this medication?
- A. One
- B. Two
- C. Three
- D. Four
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Phenobarbital, with a long half-life of 4 days, remains at therapeutic levels in the body for an extended period. Due to this prolonged duration of action, the nurse should administer phenobarbital once a day to maintain a consistent therapeutic effect without the need for multiple daily doses. Administering the medication more than once a day would not be necessary and could increase the risk of side effects or toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is to administer phenobarbital once a day.
A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, the client should be advised to do which of the following?
- A. Avoid using acetaminophen for headaches.
- B. Restrict intake of foods rich in sodium.
- C. Decrease fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily.
- D. Limit aerobic activity in hot weather.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather. Aerobic activity in hot weather can lead to excessive sweating, potentially causing sodium and water depletion, which can increase the risk of Lithium toxicity. It is important for clients taking Lithium to maintain adequate hydration and sodium levels to prevent toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting intake of foods rich in sodium is not recommended because adequate sodium levels are necessary to prevent Lithium toxicity. Decreasing fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily is also not advisable as adequate hydration is important to prevent Lithium toxicity.
A preschooler weighing 44 lb is to receive Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day PO divided equally every 12 hr. The available amoxicillin suspension is 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should the nurse administer per dose?
- A. 4 mL
- B. 5 mL
- C. 6 mL
- D. 3 mL
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To calculate the dosage per administration: First, convert the weight to kg (44 lb / 2.2 lb/kg = 20 kg). Then, calculate the required dosage per dose: (20 mg/kg/day x 20 kg) / 2 (for every 12 hr dosing) = 200 mg per dose. To determine the mL per dose, divide the required dosage by the concentration of the amoxicillin suspension: (200 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 4 mL per dose. Therefore, the correct answer is 4 mL. Choice B (5 mL) is incorrect because the correct calculation yields 4 mL. Choices C (6 mL) and D (3 mL) are also incorrect as they do not align with the accurate calculation based on the provided information.