a nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for phenytoin which of the following instructions should the nurse

ATI RN

ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam 2019

1. During discharge instructions, a client with a new prescription for Phenytoin should be advised to take which of the following actions?

A. Brush and floss your teeth regularly.
B. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice.
C. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
D. Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client with a new prescription for Phenytoin is to brush and floss their teeth regularly. Phenytoin is known to cause gingival hyperplasia, a condition that affects the gums. By maintaining good oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing, the client can help minimize the risk of developing this side effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding grapefruit juice is more relevant for medications affected by grapefruit juice metabolism, taking medication on an empty stomach is not specifically indicated for Phenytoin, and increasing calcium-rich foods is not directly related to the side effects or administration of Phenytoin.

2. What is the therapeutic use of Alprazolam?

A. Preventing thrombus formation
B. Relief of anxiety
C. Decreasing the risk of stroke
D. Increasing urinary output

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The therapeutic use of Alprazolam is for the relief of anxiety. Alprazolam belongs to a class of medications known as benzodiazepines, which are commonly prescribed to manage anxiety disorders and panic attacks. It works by enhancing the effects of a natural chemical in the body (GABA) to produce a calming effect on the brain and nerves, thereby alleviating symptoms of anxiety.

3. Which of the following is not a side effect of Sympathoplegics (Clonidine)?

A. Hypertension
B. Difficulty breathing
C. Dry oral cavity
D. Lethargic behavior

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Clonidine, a Sympathoplegic, typically causes hypotension rather than hypertension. The other side effects associated with Clonidine include dry oral cavity, lethargic behavior, and difficulty breathing, making them incorrect choices in this context.

4. A client has a new prescription for Verapamil to control hypertension. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Increase the amount of dietary fiber in the diet.
B. Drink grapefruit juice daily to increase vitamin C intake.
C. Decrease the amount of calcium in the diet.
D. Withhold food for 1 hr after taking the medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Increasing dietary fiber intake is essential when taking Verapamil to prevent constipation, a common adverse effect of the medication. Dietary fiber can help maintain bowel regularity and alleviate constipation.

5. When caring for a client prescribed Lithium, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to assess for potential toxicity?

A. Serum sodium
B. Serum lithium
C. Serum potassium
D. Serum calcium

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client's serum lithium levels to ensure they are within the therapeutic range and to assess for potential toxicity. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and levels outside this range can lead to toxicity, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential to prevent adverse effects and ensure the medication's effectiveness.