Before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure, what is the most important laboratory test result for the nurse to check?
- A. Potassium level
- B. Creatinine level
- C. Cholesterol level
- D. Blood urea nitrogen
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to check the potassium level before administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client with heart failure. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause hypokalemia, so it is crucial to assess the potassium level to prevent complications like cardiac arrhythmias associated with low potassium levels.
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The client with small cell lung cancer is being treated with etoposide (VePesid). The nurse assisting in caring for the client during its administration understands that which side effect is specifically associated with this medication?
- A. Alopecia
- B. Chest pain
- C. Pulmonary fibrosis
- D. Orthostatic hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Orthostatic hypotension.' Etoposide is associated with orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that can occur when transitioning from lying down to standing up. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client's blood pressure during the infusion to detect and manage this potential side effect.
Tamoxifen is prescribed for the client with metastatic breast carcinoma. The nurse understands that the primary action of this medication is to:
- A. Increase DNA and RNA synthesis.
- B. Promote the biosynthesis of nucleic acids.
- C. Increase estrogen concentration and estrogen response.
- D. Compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen in tissues containing high concentrations of receptors.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The primary action of tamoxifen, an antineoplastic medication used in metastatic breast carcinoma, is to compete with estradiol for binding to estrogen receptors in tissues with high receptor concentrations. By doing so, tamoxifen reduces DNA synthesis and estrogen response, leading to its therapeutic effect in inhibiting the growth of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells.
The client has been taking omeprazole (Prilosec) for 4 weeks. The ambulatory care nurse evaluates that the client is receiving the optimal intended effect of the medication if the client reports the absence of which symptom?
- A. Diarrhea
- B. Heartburn
- C. Flatulence
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Omeprazole, a proton pump inhibitor, is used as an antiulcer agent to reduce gastric acid secretion. The optimal intended effect of omeprazole is the relief of pain and discomfort associated with gastric irritation, commonly referred to as heartburn. Therefore, the absence of heartburn indicates that the medication is working effectively in managing the client's gastric condition.
Mycophenolate mofetil (CellCept) is prescribed for a client as prophylaxis for organ rejection following an allogeneic renal transplant. Which of the following instructions does the nurse reinforce regarding administration of this medication?
- A. Administer on an empty stomach.
- B. Take the medication with a calcium-type antacid.
- C. Open the capsule and mix with food for administration.
- D. Contact the health care provider (HCP) if a sore throat occurs.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client is prescribed amlodipine (Norvasc) for hypertension. Which side effect should the nurse instruct the client to report to the healthcare provider?
- A. Dizziness
- B. Constipation
- C. Peripheral edema
- D. Dry cough
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, 'Peripheral edema.' Amlodipine (Norvasc) can cause peripheral edema, which is an accumulation of fluid in the extremities and should be reported to the healthcare provider. Dizziness and constipation are possible side effects of amlodipine but are generally less concerning. Dry cough is more commonly associated with ACE inhibitors, not calcium channel blockers like amlodipine.