A patient with coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed a statin medication. What should the nurse include in the patient education?
- A. Take the medication with food.
- B. Report any muscle pain or weakness.
- C. Increase intake of grapefruit juice.
- D. Avoid foods high in potassium.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Step 1: Statins can cause muscle pain or weakness as a side effect.
Step 2: Prompt reporting of muscle pain or weakness is crucial to address potential myopathy or rhabdomyolysis.
Step 3: Nurse should educate patient to report any muscle symptoms promptly for timely intervention and prevention of complications.
Summary: Option B is correct as it emphasizes the importance of monitoring and reporting potential side effects of statins. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as taking with food, increasing grapefruit juice intake, and avoiding potassium-rich foods are not relevant considerations for statin therapy.
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The healthcare professional is caring for a client with heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention?
- A. Heart rate of 58 beats per minute.
- B. Nausea and vomiting.
- C. Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg.
- D. Shortness of breath.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Nausea and vomiting. This finding requires immediate intervention because digoxin toxicity can present with gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and vomiting. This can indicate an overdose of digoxin, which can be life-threatening. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further complications.
A: Heart rate of 58 beats per minute is within the therapeutic range for digoxin and does not require immediate intervention.
C: Blood pressure of 130/80 mm Hg is also within normal limits and does not indicate an urgent issue.
D: Shortness of breath can be a symptom of heart failure but is not a direct indication of digoxin toxicity requiring immediate intervention.
What side effect should be monitored for in a patient with chronic heart failure taking spironolactone?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly used in patients with heart failure. It works by blocking the aldosterone receptor, leading to potassium retention and potential hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as hyperkalemia can increase the risk of arrhythmias and other cardiac complications in heart failure patients.
A: Hypokalemia is incorrect because spironolactone typically causes potassium retention.
C: Hyponatremia and D: Hypernatremia are incorrect as spironolactone does not directly affect sodium levels.
In summary, monitoring for hyperkalemia is essential in patients with heart failure taking spironolactone to prevent adverse cardiac events.
Which problem in a client requires the most immediate intervention by the nurse?
- A. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome.
- B. Increasing sharp pain related to compartment syndrome.
- C. Increasing burning pain related to a Morton's neuroma.
- D. Increasing sharp pain related to plantar fasciitis.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Compartment syndrome is a medical emergency that can lead to tissue damage and loss of limb function. Immediate intervention is crucial to prevent further complications. Finger paresthesias related to carpal tunnel syndrome (A) are not life-threatening and can be managed conservatively. Morton's neuroma (C) and plantar fasciitis (D) are painful conditions, but they do not pose an immediate threat to the client's health or limb function.
A patient with asthma is prescribed a corticosteroid inhaler. What is the most important instruction to give to the patient?
- A. Use the inhaler only during asthma attacks.
- B. Rinse the mouth after using the inhaler.
- C. Take a double dose if symptoms worsen.
- D. Avoid using a spacer with the inhaler.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Rinse the mouth after using the inhaler. This instruction is crucial because corticosteroid inhalers can lead to oral thrush, a fungal infection in the mouth. Rinsing the mouth helps prevent this side effect.
A: Using the inhaler only during asthma attacks is incorrect as corticosteroid inhalers are typically used regularly to manage asthma symptoms.
C: Taking a double dose if symptoms worsen is dangerous and can lead to overdose. Patients should follow the prescribed dosage.
D: Avoiding using a spacer with the inhaler is not a universal instruction. Spacers can actually improve the effectiveness of the medication delivery.
What instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching for a patient with hypothyroidism prescribed levothyroxine?
- A. Take the medication with meals.
- B. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
- C. Discontinue the medication if you feel better.
- D. Double the dose if a dose is missed.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach. Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast, to ensure optimal absorption. Food can interfere with absorption, so taking it with meals (choice A) is not recommended. Discontinuing the medication if feeling better (choice C) is dangerous as it can lead to a relapse of hypothyroidism. Doubling the dose if a dose is missed (choice D) can result in overdose and adverse effects. Therefore, choice B is the best option for optimal effectiveness of levothyroxine therapy.