A patient with rheumatoid arthritis is taking prednisone. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Hyperglycemia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Hyperkalemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperglycemia. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that can cause an increase in blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and decreasing insulin sensitivity. Monitoring for hyperglycemia is crucial as it can lead to serious complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. Bradycardia (B) and hypotension (C) are not typical side effects of prednisone, as it tends to cause fluid retention and hypertension. Hyperkalemia (D) is also unlikely as prednisone can actually cause hypokalemia due to increased renal potassium excretion.
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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 type 1 diabetes is prescribed insulin glargine. What is the primary characteristic of this insulin?
- A. Rapid-acting
- B. Intermediate-acting
- C. Long-acting
- D. Short-acting
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin due to its slow and consistent release, providing basal insulin coverage for about 24 hours. This steady release mimics the body's natural basal insulin secretion pattern. Rapid-acting insulins (A) work quickly to control postprandial glucose levels. Intermediate-acting insulins (B) have a slower onset and last for a moderate duration. Short-acting insulins (D) act quickly but have a shorter duration of action compared to long-acting insulins.
A patient with diabetes insipidus is prescribed desmopressin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Increase urine output
- B. Reduce blood sugar levels
- C. Decrease urine output
- D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin used to replace the hormone in diabetes insipidus. The primary purpose is to decrease urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing excessive urination and preventing dehydration. Choice A is incorrect as desmopressin actually decreases urine output. Choice B is incorrect as desmopressin does not directly affect blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect as desmopressin does not primarily lower blood pressure.
An elderly female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen (Tylenol) for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this client's comment, what previous lab values should the nurse compare with today's lab report?
- A. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit to assess for dehydration.
- B. Look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
- C. Expect to find an increase in today's APTT compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
- D. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The nurse should look for an increase in today's LDH compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver toxicity, which can be indicated by elevated LDH levels. LDH is an enzyme released during liver damage. Checking for LDH levels can help assess the impact of increased acetaminophen doses on the liver.
Choices A, C, and D are incorrect:
A: Looking at hemoglobin and hematocrit is not directly related to acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
C: APTT measures blood clotting time and is not directly affected by acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
D: Serum potassium levels are not typically affected by acetaminophen use for joint pain. It does not provide information about liver damage.
A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed valproic acid. What is an important side effect for the nurse to monitor?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Hyperglycemia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Liver toxicity)
Rationale:
1. Valproic acid is known to cause liver toxicity.
2. The nurse should monitor liver function tests regularly.
3. Signs of liver toxicity include jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea.
4. Prompt detection is crucial to prevent serious complications.
Summary:
A: Hypertension - Not a common side effect of valproic acid.
C: Hyperglycemia - More commonly associated with other medications like antipsychotics.
D: Bradycardia - Not a typical side effect of valproic acid.