Nursing Elites

1. A client has a new prescription for hydrochlorothiazide to treat hypertension. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication in the morning.
• B. Increase intake of potassium-rich foods.
• C. Avoid sun exposure while taking this medication.
• D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction that should be included for a client prescribed hydrochlorothiazide is to increase the intake of potassium-rich foods. Hydrochlorothiazide, being a diuretic, can lead to hypokalemia by enhancing potassium excretion. Increasing consumption of potassium-rich foods like bananas or oranges can help prevent hypokalemia and maintain electrolyte balance. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Taking the medication in the morning is not a specific instruction related to hydrochlorothiazide. Avoiding sun exposure is more relevant for photosensitive medications, not hydrochlorothiazide. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day is not necessary unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider.

2. A client has a new prescription for Dabigatran. Which of the following instructions should be included?

• A. Take the medication with food.
• B. Store the capsules in a pill organizer.
• C. Crush the medication before swallowing.
• D. Expect frequent headaches while taking this medication.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Take the medication with food.' Taking Dabigatran with food is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort, a common side effect associated with this medication. Food can help minimize stomach irritation and improve tolerability. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Storing the capsules in a pill organizer (B) is a good practice for organization but not a specific instruction for this medication. Crushing the medication before swallowing (C) is not recommended for Dabigatran as it is available as a capsule and should be swallowed whole. Expecting frequent headaches while taking this medication (D) is not a common side effect of Dabigatran and should not be anticipated.

3. A provider prescribes phenobarbital for a client who has a seizure disorder. The medication has a long half-life of 4 days. How many times per day should the nurse expect to administer this medication?

• A. One
• B. Two
• C. Three
• D. Four

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Phenobarbital, with a long half-life of 4 days, remains at therapeutic levels in the body for an extended period. Due to this prolonged duration of action, the nurse should administer phenobarbital once a day to maintain a consistent therapeutic effect without the need for multiple daily doses. Administering the medication more than once a day would not be necessary and could increase the risk of side effects or toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is to administer phenobarbital once a day.

4. A client has a new prescription for atenolol. Which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to monitor for as an adverse effect of this medication?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hypertension

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that works by slowing down the heart rate. An adverse effect of atenolol is bradycardia, characterized by a slower than normal heart rate. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for signs of bradycardia, such as a slow heart rate, while taking atenolol. Therefore, the correct answer is to monitor for bradycardia. Tachycardia (Choice A) is not an expected adverse effect of atenolol as it actually reduces heart rate. Hypoglycemia (Choice B) is not a typical adverse effect of atenolol. Hypertension (Choice D) is not an adverse effect of atenolol, as atenolol is commonly used to manage hypertension.

5. A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, what advice should the nurse provide?

• A. Avoid using acetaminophen for headaches.
• B. Restrict intake of foods high in sodium.
• C. Decrease fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily.
• D. Limit aerobic activity in hot weather.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather to prevent sodium/water depletion, which can increase the risk for Lithium toxicity. Excessive sweating and fluid loss can lead to dehydration and changes in lithium levels, potentially resulting in toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting sodium intake and decreasing fluid intake can lead to increased lithium levels and toxicity, so these are not recommended actions.

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