Nursing Elites

1. A client with a new prescription for Escitalopram for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder is being taught by a healthcare provider. Which statement by the client indicates understanding of the teaching?

• A. I should take the medication on an empty stomach.
• B. I will follow a low-sodium diet while taking this medication.
• C. I need to discontinue this medication slowly.
• D. I should not crush this medication before swallowing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When discontinuing escitalopram, the client should taper the medication slowly according to a prescribed tapered dosing schedule to reduce the risk of withdrawal syndrome. This gradual reduction helps minimize potential withdrawal symptoms and ensures a safer discontinuation process. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because taking escitalopram on an empty stomach, following a low-sodium diet, and not crushing the medication are not directly related to the safe and effective use of the medication or its discontinuation process.

2. When educating a client with early Parkinson's disease about pramipexole, what adverse effect should the nurse advise the client to monitor for?

• A. Hallucinations
• B. Increased salivation
• C. Diarrhea
• D. Discoloration of urine

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hallucinations. Pramipexole can lead to hallucinations, especially within 9 months of starting the medication, and may necessitate discontinuation. Hallucinations are a serious adverse effect that the client should be aware of and report promptly to their healthcare provider for evaluation and management. Increased salivation (choice B), diarrhea (choice C), and discoloration of urine (choice D) are not common adverse effects associated with pramipexole and are not typically emphasized in client education for this medication.

3. 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.

4. A client has a new prescription for Warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Avoid consuming foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Monitor your blood pressure regularly.
• C. Increase your intake of green, leafy vegetables.
• D. Take the medication with a high-fat meal.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to avoid consuming foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin's effectiveness can be affected by vitamin K intake. Clients should maintain a consistent intake of vitamin K and avoid sudden increases in foods high in vitamin K to ensure the medication works properly and consistently. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Monitoring blood pressure, increasing intake of green, leafy vegetables, or taking the medication with a high-fat meal are not specific instructions related to Warfarin therapy.

5. A client has a new prescription for Albuterol and Beclomethasone inhalers for the control of asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• A. Take the albuterol at the same time each day.
• B. Administer the albuterol inhaler prior to using the beclomethasone inhaler.
• C. Use beclomethasone if experiencing an acute episode.
• D. Avoid shaking the beclomethasone before use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client is prescribed an inhaled beta2-agonist, such as albuterol, and an inhaled glucocorticoid, such as beclomethasone, for asthma control, the beta2-agonist should be administered first. This sequence is important because the beta2-agonist promotes bronchodilation, which enhances the absorption and effectiveness of the glucocorticoid. Instructing the client to administer the albuterol inhaler before using the beclomethasone inhaler ensures optimal therapeutic benefit. Therefore, option B is the correct choice. Option A is incorrect because the timing of albuterol administration may vary based on the prescribed regimen. Option C is incorrect because beclomethasone is a controller medication, not a rescue medication, and should not be used during acute episodes. Option D is incorrect because beclomethasone should be shaken before use to ensure proper dispersion of the medication.

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