Nursing Elites

1. 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.

2. A client with chronic heart failure is prescribed spironolactone. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypokalemia
• C. Hypernatremia
• D. Hyponatremia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to an excess of potassium in the body, resulting in hyperkalemia. This side effect is important to monitor in clients taking spironolactone, especially those with chronic heart failure, as hyperkalemia can lead to serious cardiac complications.

3. A client has been prescribed losartan. Which change in data indicates to the practical nurse (PN) that the desired effect of this medication has been achieved?

• A. Dependent edema reduced from +3 to +1.
• B. Serum HDL increased from 35 to 55 mg/dL.
• C. Pulse rate reduced from 150 to 90 beats/min.
• D. Blood pressure reduced from 160/90 to 130/80 mm Hg.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Losartan is prescribed for the treatment of hypertension. The desired effect of losartan is to reduce blood pressure. Therefore, a reduction in blood pressure from 160/90 to 130/80 mm Hg indicates that the desired effect of the medication has been achieved. Choices A, B, and C are not specific effects of losartan and do not directly relate to the expected outcomes of this medication. Dependent edema, serum HDL levels, and pulse rate are not typically influenced by losartan, making choices A, B, and C incorrect.

4. A client with anxiety is prescribed alprazolam. What instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?

• A. Take this medication with food.
• B. Avoid activities that require alertness.
• C. Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.
• D. This medication may cause drowsiness.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Do not stop taking this medication abruptly.' Alprazolam should not be stopped suddenly as it can lead to withdrawal symptoms. It is important for clients to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to prevent adverse effects. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Choice A is irrelevant to alprazolam administration instructions. Choice B, 'Avoid activities that require alertness,' is not the priority teaching point for alprazolam. Choice D, 'This medication may cause drowsiness,' is a common side effect of alprazolam but not the most critical instruction to include in the teaching plan.

5. A client with epilepsy is prescribed lamotrigine. The nurse should monitor for which potential side effect?

• A. Drowsiness
• B. Nausea and vomiting
• C. Skin rash
• D. Dizziness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: When a client is prescribed lamotrigine, the nurse should closely monitor for the potential side effect of skin rash. Lamotrigine is known to cause skin rashes, which can be mild or severe, indicating a serious adverse reaction like Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Monitoring for skin rash is crucial to detect any signs of severe allergic reactions early and prevent further complications. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as drowsiness, nausea and vomiting, and dizziness are not typically associated with lamotrigine use. While dizziness can be a side effect of some antiepileptic medications, it is not a common side effect of lamotrigine.

Similar Questions