Nokea
The healthcare professional is creating a class for older adults in the community. Which information about laxative use in older adults would be important to include?
- A. Laxatives are not effective in older adults
- B. All laxatives are exactly the same
- C. Over-the-counter laxatives are misused
- D. Laxatives can cause potassium retention
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: It is important to include information about the misuse of over-the-counter laxatives in older adults as they often misuse these medications, which can lead to dependency and other health issues. Option A is incorrect as laxatives can be effective in older adults when used appropriately. Option B is incorrect because not all laxatives are the same, they have different mechanisms of action and side effects. Option D is incorrect because laxatives can actually cause electrolyte imbalances like potassium depletion rather than retention.
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A client is prescribed an antacid for the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. What is the action of this medication that is effective in treating the client's ulcer?
- A. Decrease in the production of gastric secretions
- B. Production of an adherent barrier over the ulcer
- C. Maintenance of a gastric pH of 3.5 or above
- D. Decrease in the gastric motor activity
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Antacids work by neutralizing gastric acids and maintaining a gastric pH of 3.5 or above. This pH level is crucial to prevent the activation of pepsinogen, a precursor to pepsin, which can further damage the ulcer. Choice A is incorrect because antacids do not directly decrease the production of gastric secretions; they neutralize existing acid. Choice B is incorrect as antacids do not form a physical barrier over the ulcer but rather neutralize the acid around it. Choice D is also incorrect as antacids do not affect gastric motor activity but focus on reducing acidity in the stomach.
A client with a history of myocardial infarction is prescribed atorvastatin. The nurse should monitor the client for which potential adverse effect?
- A. Liver damage
- B. Kidney damage
- C. Muscle pain
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Muscle pain. Atorvastatin can cause muscle pain, which may indicate rhabdomyolysis, a serious adverse effect. Rhabdomyolysis is a condition where muscle breakdown releases a protein (myoglobin) into the bloodstream, potentially leading to kidney damage. Liver damage (choice A) is a less common side effect of atorvastatin compared to muscle pain. Kidney damage (choice B) is not a direct adverse effect of atorvastatin but can occur indirectly if rhabdomyolysis is severe. Increased appetite (choice D) is not a known adverse effect of atorvastatin.
A client with diabetes mellitus type 2 is prescribed sitagliptin. The nurse should include which instruction in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take this medication with meals.
- B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
- C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
- D. Report any signs of pancreatitis to the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct instruction to include in the teaching plan for a client prescribed sitagliptin is to report any signs of pancreatitis to the healthcare provider. Sitagliptin is generally taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Therefore, choice A, 'Take this medication with meals,' is incorrect. Sitagliptin does not have specific interactions with alcohol, so there is no need to advise the client to avoid alcohol, making choice B incorrect. Taking sitagliptin on an empty stomach is not recommended, so choice C is also incorrect. Pancreatitis is a rare but serious side effect of sitagliptin, so it is crucial for the client to report any signs or symptoms to their healthcare provider promptly.
A healthy 68-year-old client asks the practical nurse (PN) whether they should take the pneumococcal vaccine. Which statement should the PN offer to the client that provides the most accurate information about this vaccine?
- A. The vaccine is given annually before the flu season to those older than 50 years.
- B. The immunization is recommended for children younger than 2 years old and all adults 65 years or older.
- C. The vaccine is for all ages and is given primarily to those traveling overseas to areas of infection.
- D. The vaccine will prevent the occurrence of pneumococcal pneumonia for up to 5 years.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because it is usually recommended that children younger than 2 years old and adults 65 years or older get vaccinated against pneumococcal disease. This is because these age groups are more susceptible to severe complications from the infection. While the vaccine may be recommended for certain individuals with specific medical conditions at any age, the primary target groups are as mentioned in option B. Option A is incorrect as the pneumococcal vaccine is not given annually like the flu vaccine. Option C is incorrect because the vaccine is not primarily for travelers but for certain age groups and individuals with medical conditions at risk. Option D is incorrect as the vaccine's duration of protection can vary, and it is not guaranteed to prevent pneumococcal pneumonia for up to 5 years.
A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed albuterol. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Nausea
- C. Dry mouth
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. Albuterol, a bronchodilator commonly used in COPD, can cause tachycardia as a potential side effect due to its beta-agonist properties that can stimulate the heart. Nausea (Choice B), dry mouth (Choice C), and weight gain (Choice D) are less likely associated with albuterol use. Nausea and dry mouth are not common side effects of albuterol, and weight gain is not typically linked to its use. Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor for tachycardia when a client is prescribed albuterol for COPD.