Nokea
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 has a long half-life of 4 days, meaning it remains at therapeutic levels in the body for an extended period. Due to this prolonged duration of action, the nurse should expect to administer phenobarbital once a day to maintain therapeutic levels and effectiveness. Administering it more than once a day would lead to unnecessary dosing and potential adverse effects as the medication remains active in the body for an extended period.
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A client has a prescription for long-term use of oral prednisone for the treatment of 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. Oral prednisone can lead to weight gain and fluid retention due to its sodium and water retention effects. Monitoring weight changes is crucial to identify and manage this adverse effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because oral prednisone is not typically associated with nervousness, bradycardia, or constipation as common adverse effects. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on monitoring weight gain in clients prescribed long-term oral prednisone therapy.
A client has a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
- A. Hyponatremia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypercalcemia
- D. Hypoglycemia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic known to cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly hyponatremia (low sodium levels). The nurse should closely monitor the client for signs of hyponatremia by assessing their electrolyte levels. Choice B, Hyperkalemia, is incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide is more likely to cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) rather than hyperkalemia. Choice C, Hypercalcemia, is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide is not known to cause increased calcium levels. Choice D, Hypoglycemia, is also incorrect as it is not a common adverse effect of hydrochlorothiazide.
A client with brain cancer and headaches is prescribed dexamethasone. What is the purpose of this adjuvant medication?
- A. To decrease inflammation and swelling
- B. To improve concentration
- C. To induce sedation
- D. To treat depression
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Dexamethasone, a glucocorticoid, is indicated for clients with brain cancer to decrease inflammation and swelling. It helps reduce cerebral edema and relieve pressure caused by the tumor, ultimately alleviating headaches. The purpose of prescribing dexamethasone in this case is not to improve concentration (choice B), induce sedation (choice C), or treat depression (choice D). Methylphenidate, a stimulant, is used for conditions like ADHD, not for brain cancer. Hydroxyzine, an antihistamine, is primarily used for anxiety and itching, not for brain cancer. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, is used for conditions like depression and neuropathic pain, not specifically for brain cancer-related headaches.
A client has a new prescription for Omeprazole. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Take this medication before meals.
- B. Take this medication with food.
- C. Take this medication at bedtime.
- D. Take this medication with antacids.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take this medication before meals.' Omeprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that is most effective in reducing stomach acid production when taken before meals. This timing helps the medication work optimally by inhibiting acid secretion that occurs in response to food intake. Choice B ('Take this medication with food') is incorrect because Omeprazole should be taken before meals. Choice C ('Take this medication at bedtime') is incorrect as the optimal timing is before meals, not at bedtime. Choice D ('Take this medication with antacids') is incorrect because Omeprazole should not be taken with antacids as they can interfere with its absorption.
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.