a nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for alendronate to treat osteoporosis which of the following instructions should the nurse i

ATI RN

ATI Proctored Pharmacology 2023

1. A client has a new prescription for Alendronate to treat osteoporosis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Take the medication with a full glass of water after rising in the morning.
B. Lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
C. Take the medication before bedtime to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation.
D. Crush the tablet and mix it with applesauce if having difficulty swallowing.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take Alendronate with a full glass of water after rising in the morning. This helps reduce the risk of esophageal irritation, as the medication can cause irritation if not taken correctly. Taking it before bedtime (choice C) can increase the risk of irritation as the individual lies down. Lying down after taking the medication (choice B) can also lead to esophageal irritation. Crushing the tablet (choice D) is not recommended as Alendronate should be taken whole with a full glass of water.

2. A client with angina is being taught how to use nitroglycerin transdermal ointment. Which instruction should the nurse include?

A. Remove the prior dose before applying a new dose.
B. Rub the ointment directly into the skin until it is no longer visible.
C. Cover the applied ointment with a clean gauze pad.
D. Apply the ointment to the same skin area each time.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to remove the prior dose before applying a new one to prevent toxicity. Nitroglycerin ointment can cause adverse effects if accumulated doses are not removed. Rubbing the ointment until it's not visible or covering it with gauze may alter absorption. Applying it to the same area each time can lead to skin irritation or desensitization.

3. A client has a new prescription for a Fentanyl transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Apply the patch to a non-hairy area.
B. Change the patch every 72 hours.
C. Avoid exposure to heat sources.
D. Do not cut the patch to adjust the dosage.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction the nurse should include for a client using a Fentanyl transdermal patch is to avoid exposure to heat sources. Heat can increase the absorption of the medication, potentially causing an overdose. Instructing the client to avoid heat sources is crucial to ensure their safety and the effectiveness of the medication. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because applying the patch to a non-hairy area, changing it every 72 hours, and not cutting the patch are general guidelines for using transdermal patches but do not specifically address the unique risks associated with Fentanyl patches.

4. What does it mean when a medication has a half-life?

A. It only lasts for 30 minutes after the medication is given
B. How long it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream
C. It is the peak of how effective the medicine is
D. Drug is greatly reduced before it reaches the systemic circulation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a medication has a half-life, it refers to the time it takes for half of the dose to be eliminated from the bloodstream. This parameter is crucial in understanding the duration of action and dosing intervals for medications in clinical practice. Choice A is incorrect as the half-life is not about how long the medication lasts but about elimination from the body. Choice C is incorrect because the half-life is not about the peak effectiveness of the medicine. Choice D is incorrect as it does not accurately define the concept of half-life.

5. What is levothyroxine's pharmacologic classification?

A. Thyroid Preparations
B. Metabolic Inhibitors
C. Analgesic
D. Loop Diuretic

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine is classified as a thyroid preparation because it is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is primarily used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing or replacing the natural thyroid hormones in the body, helping to regulate metabolism and energy levels. Choice B, Metabolic Inhibitors, is incorrect because levothyroxine does not inhibit metabolism but rather helps regulate it. Choice C, Analgesic, is incorrect as levothyroxine is not used for pain relief but for thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Choice D, Loop Diuretic, is also incorrect as loop diuretics are medications that act on the kidneys to increase urine production and are not related to thyroid hormone replacement therapy.