Nursing Elites

1. A client with a diagnosis of depression is prescribed escitalopram. Which statement by the client indicates the need for further teaching?

• A. I should take this medication in the morning with food.
• B. This medication may take 1 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in symptoms.
• C. I can stop taking this medication once I feel better.
• D. This medication might make me feel drowsy.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: It is crucial for clients to understand that they should not discontinue escitalopram abruptly, even if they start feeling better. Stopping the medication suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a relapse of depression. It is essential to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed by the healthcare provider to ensure the best outcomes and prevent potential complications.

2. A client with osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate. The practical nurse (PN) should reinforce which instruction regarding the administration of this medication?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water before breakfast.
• B. Take the medication immediately after a meal.
• C. Lie down for 30 minutes after taking the medication.
• D. Crush the medication and mix it with food.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for administering alendronate is to take the medication with a full glass of water before breakfast. This timing is crucial to ensure proper absorption in the body and reduce the risk of esophageal irritation. Taking it immediately after a meal or lying down for 30 minutes after may affect absorption and increase the risk of adverse effects. It should not be crushed or mixed with food to maintain its effectiveness.

3. A client with hypertension is prescribed amlodipine. The nurse should monitor for which potential adverse effect?

• A. Peripheral edema
• B. Bradycardia
• C. Hypertension
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Amlodipine is known to cause peripheral edema as a potential adverse effect due to its vasodilatory properties. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the extremities. Monitoring for peripheral edema in patients taking amlodipine is crucial to identify and manage this side effect promptly. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because amlodipine is not associated with causing bradycardia, hypertension (as the patient already has hypertension), or increased appetite as adverse effects.

4. What action should be taken six days after starting a prescription for oral amoxicillin solution?

• A. Determine if any other symptoms have developed
• B. Advise the use of over-the-counter antipyretics
• C. Instruct the client to increase oral fluid intake
• D. Ask if the medication has been kept refrigerated

Correct answer: A

Rationale: It is important to monitor for any new symptoms that may indicate a worsening condition or side effects when taking oral amoxicillin solution. This proactive approach helps in assessing the effectiveness and safety of the medication.

5. A client with a history of heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. The nurse should monitor the client for which adverse effect?

• A. Dizziness upon standing
• B. Weight loss
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hypotension

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Hypotension. Carvedilol, a beta-blocker, can lead to hypotension by blocking the effects of adrenaline, which can cause blood vessels to dilate and reduce blood pressure. While dizziness upon standing is a potential adverse effect of carvedilol, it is more specifically related to orthostatic hypotension, which is a form of hypotension that occurs when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. Weight loss and bradycardia are not typically associated with carvedilol use. Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor for hypotension in a client taking carvedilol.

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