Nokea
The elderly client is in a long-term care facility. If the client does not have a daily bowel movement in the morning, he requests a cathartic, bisacodyl (Dulcolax). Which action is most important for the nurse to take?
- A. Ensure the client gets a cathartic daily.
- B. Discuss the complications of a daily cathartic.
- C. Encourage the client to increase fiber in the diet.
- D. Refuse to administer the medication to the client.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Daily cathartics risk dependence and electrolyte imbalance; discussing complications educates and promotes safer alternatives like fiber.
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The client with postmenopausal osteoporosis is prescribed the bisphosphonate alendronate (Fosamax). Which discharge instruction should the nurse discuss with the client?
- A. The medication must be taken with the breakfast meal only.
- B. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking medication.
- C. The tablet should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.
- D. Stress the importance of having monthly hormone levels.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Alendronate requires upright posture for 30 minutes post-dose to prevent esophageal irritation, per FDA guidelines. Meal timing, chewing, or hormone levels are incorrect.
The male client is self-medicating with the H-2 antagonist cimetidine (Tagamet). Which complication can occur while taking this medication?
- A. Melena.
- B. Gynecomastia.
- C. Pyrosis.
- D. Eructation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Cimetidine can cause gynecomastia due to antiandrogen effects, especially in males. Melena, pyrosis, or eructation are unrelated.
A client confides in the RN that a friend has told her the medication she takes for depression, Wellbutrin, was taken off the market because it caused seizures. What is an appropriate response by the nurse?
- A. Ask your friend about the source of this information.'
- B. Omit the next doses until you talk with the doctor.'
- C. There were problems, but the recommended dose is changed.'
- D. Your health care provider knows the best drug for your condition.'
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Wellbutrin was introduced in the U.S. in 1985 and then withdrawn because of the occurrence of seizures in some patients taking the drug. The drug was reintroduced in 1989 with specific recommendations regarding dose ranges to limit the occurrence of seizures. The risk of seizure appears to be strongly associated with dose.
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving procainamide (Pronestyl) intravenously. It is important for the nurse to monitor which of the following parameters?
- A. Hourly urinary output
- B. Serum potassium levels
- C. Continuous EKG readings
- D. Neurological signs
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Continuous EKG readings. Procainamide (Pronestyl) is used to suppress cardiac arrhythmias. When administered intravenously, it must be accompanied by continuous cardiac monitoring by ECG.
The nurse is administering an otic drop to the 45-year-old client. Which procedure should the nurse implement when administering the drops?
- A. Place the drops when pulling the ear down and back.
- B. Place the drops when pulling the ear up and back.
- C. Place the drops in the lower conjunctival sac.
- D. Place the drops in the inner canthus and apply pressure.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: For adults, pulling the ear up and back straightens the ear canal for otic drops. Down/back is for children, others are for ophthalmic drops.