Nokea
A patient with epilepsy is prescribed phenytoin. What is the primary side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Hypotension
- B. Gingival hyperplasia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Gingival hyperplasia. Phenytoin is known to cause gingival overgrowth as a side effect. This is due to its effect on fibroblasts in the gums, leading to increased connective tissue production. Hypotension (A), bradycardia (C), and hyperkalemia (D) are not common side effects of phenytoin. Monitoring for gingival hyperplasia is crucial to prevent complications such as difficulty in eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene.
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A patient with peptic ulcer disease is prescribed omeprazole. When should the patient take this medication for optimal effectiveness?
- A. With meals
- B. At bedtime
- C. Before meals
- D. After meals
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Before meals. Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that works best when taken before meals to inhibit acid secretion before food intake. Taking it with meals (choice A) may decrease its effectiveness as it needs time to be absorbed. Taking it at bedtime (choice B) may not provide optimal coverage throughout the day. Taking it after meals (choice D) may not allow enough time for the medication to start working before the next meal.
A patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Suicidal thoughts
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicidal thoughts. When a patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine, there is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially in the initial weeks of treatment. This is important for the nurse to monitor because it can lead to serious consequences. Weight gain (A) is a common side effect of fluoxetine but not as critical to monitor as suicidal thoughts. Bradycardia (B) and dry mouth (C) are not common side effects of fluoxetine and are less relevant to monitor in this scenario. Monitoring for suicidal thoughts is crucial for patient safety.
A patient with chronic pain is prescribed gabapentin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Relieve neuropathic pain
- B. Reduce inflammation
- C. Enhance opioid analgesia
- D. Suppress cough
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Relieve neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. It is effective in conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Choice B is incorrect because gabapentin does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Choice C is incorrect as gabapentin does not enhance opioid analgesia, but it can be used in conjunction with opioids for pain management. Choice D is incorrect as gabapentin is not indicated for cough suppression.
What should the nurse include in patient teaching for a patient prescribed ceftriaxone for bacterial pneumonia?
- A. Take the medication as prescribed.
- B. Expect urine color changes.
- C. Complete the full course of the antibiotic.
- D. Avoid dairy products during treatment.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Rationale:
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic used for bacterial pneumonia. Completing the full course is essential to completely eradicate the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance. Taking medication as prescribed is a general principle, but not specific to this medication. Urine color changes are not associated with ceftriaxone. Dairy products do not interact with ceftriaxone.
A patient with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is prescribed calcium acetate. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Treat hyperkalemia
- B. Reduce phosphate levels
- C. Lower blood pressure
- D. Increase hemoglobin levels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing calcium acetate for a patient with CKD is to reduce phosphate levels. Calcium acetate acts as a phosphate binder, preventing the absorption of dietary phosphate in the intestines. Elevated phosphate levels in CKD can lead to complications such as mineral and bone disorders. Treating hyperkalemia (A) involves other medications like potassium binders, not calcium acetate. Lowering blood pressure (C) typically involves antihypertensive drugs. Increasing hemoglobin levels (D) is usually managed with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in CKD patients. Therefore, option B is the correct answer for the primary purpose of prescribing calcium acetate in CKD patients.