A patient with frequent tension headaches asks the nurse about over-the-counter remedies. The nurse knows that Excedrin combines which of the following active ingredients to address pain, inflammation, and increased vascular tone associated with headaches?
- A. Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine
- B. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and caffeine
- C. Aspirin, loratadine, and caffeine
- D. Acetaminophen, naproxen, and loratadine
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Aspirin, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Aspirin and acetaminophen are both analgesics that help relieve pain associated with headaches. Aspirin also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation commonly associated with tension headaches. Caffeine is a vasoconstrictor, which can help reduce the vasodilation and vascular tone that contribute to headaches. Ibuprofen and naproxen (choice B) are also NSAIDs that can help with pain and inflammation, but they are not included in Excedrin. Loratadine (choices C and D) is an antihistamine used for allergies and does not address pain, inflammation, or vascular tone associated with headaches.
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The nurse is caring for a patient diagnosed with asthma on a medical surgical unit. The nurse is concerned when the patient makes the following statement after completing their Albuterol nebulizer treatment:
- A. I am not ready to eat lunch yet.'
- B. It feels like my heart is racing.'
- C. It is easier to breathe now.'
- D. I can breathe better now.'
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B: It feels like my heart is racing.
Rationale: Albuterol is a bronchodilator that can cause side effects such as increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations. This patient's statement indicates a potential adverse reaction to the medication, which should be monitored and reported to the healthcare provider. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize this symptom as it could indicate a serious reaction that requires prompt intervention.
Summary of other choices:
A: I am not ready to eat lunch yet - This statement does not indicate any immediate concern related to the medication.
C: It is easier to breathe now - This is a positive response to the treatment and does not raise immediate alarm.
D: I can breathe better now - Similar to choice C, this is a positive response to the treatment.
Overall, only choice B raises a red flag regarding a potential adverse reaction to the medication.
The nurse is preparing to administer Reglan to a patient. She is most concerned by the following information in the patient's medical record?
- A. Past medical history of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- B. Blood pressure of 132/82
- C. Allergy to corn
- D. Past medical history of gout
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Allergy to corn. This is the most concerning information because Reglan (metoclopramide) contains corn-derived ingredients. Administering Reglan to a patient with a known corn allergy can trigger an allergic reaction, ranging from mild rash to severe anaphylaxis. It is crucial to avoid giving medications containing allergens to patients with known allergies to prevent adverse reactions. Choices A, B, and D are not as concerning as they do not directly impact the safe administration of Reglan. Benign prostatic hyperplasia, blood pressure within normal limits, and past medical history of gout are not contraindications to administering Reglan.
Which organ is primarily responsible for excretion of a medication?
- A. Kidneys
- B. Pancreas
- C. Gallbladder
- D. Liver
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Kidneys. The kidneys are primarily responsible for excreting medications from the body through urine. They filter the blood, removing waste products and excess substances, including medications. The pancreas (choice B) is responsible for producing digestive enzymes, not excreting medications. The gallbladder (choice C) stores bile produced by the liver to aid in digestion, not excretion. The liver (choice D) metabolizes medications but does not directly excrete them.
The nurse caring for a patient with a productive cough would anticipate an order for the following medication:
- A. dextromethorphan (Robitussin)
- B. fluticasone (Flonase)
- C. pseudoephedrine (Sudafed)
- D. guaifenesin (Mucinex)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: guaifenesin (Mucinex). Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps loosen and thin mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up. This is beneficial for a patient with a productive cough as it helps clear the airways and improve breathing.
A: dextromethorphan (Robitussin) is a cough suppressant and would not be appropriate for a productive cough as it inhibits the cough reflex.
B: fluticasone (Flonase) is a nasal corticosteroid used for allergies and nasal congestion, not for cough.
C: pseudoephedrine (Sudafed) is a decongestant that helps relieve nasal congestion, not suitable for a productive cough.
E, F, G are non-existent options.
The nurse is caring for a client who is refusing to take their prescribed metformin (Glucophage). The nurse understands that the most common side effects of metformin are:
- A. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- B. Palpitations
- C. Headaches
- D. Heartburn
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Metformin commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea due to its mechanism of action in the gut. These symptoms are typically mild and transient. Palpitations (B), headaches (C), and heartburn (D) are not common side effects of metformin. Palpitations are more commonly associated with medications that affect the heart, headaches may occur with some medications but are not a typical side effect of metformin, and heartburn is not a known side effect of metformin. Therefore, choices B, C, and D are incorrect.