a nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed methotrexate to treat rheumatoid arthritis which of the following instructions should the nurse

ATI RN

ATI Pharmacology Test Bank

1. A client has been prescribed Methotrexate to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis. Which of the following instructions should the nurse provide?

A. Take this medication with food to prevent nausea.
B. Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
C. Wear sunscreen when outdoors while taking this medication.
D. Take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Methotrexate is hepatotoxic, and avoiding alcohol is crucial to prevent liver damage. However, Option A (Take this medication with food to prevent nausea) could also be correct, as Methotrexate commonly causes nausea, and taking it with food can help alleviate this side effect. However, the most important instruction is to avoid alcohol due to the risk of liver toxicity.

2. What is one of the therapeutic uses of Valproate?

A. Suppression of seizure activity
B. Replacement of hypothyroidism to restore normal hormone balance
C. Maintenance of blood glucose
D. Lowering of blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Valproate, also known as Valproic acid, is commonly used in medicine for the suppression of seizure activity. It is an anticonvulsant medication that helps manage and prevent seizures in various conditions such as epilepsy. While it is not used for replacing hypothyroidism, maintaining blood glucose levels, or lowering blood pressure, its primary therapeutic use is in managing seizures.

3. How should the oral form of albuterol be taken?

A. Administer with meals to minimize gastric irritation
B. Administer before meals with water
C. Administer after meals with water
D. Administer in the morning with milk

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct way to take oral albuterol is with meals to minimize gastric irritation. Taking it with food can help reduce the risk of stomach upset that may occur when the medication is taken on an empty stomach. This approach can improve tolerability and adherence to the treatment regimen. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because taking albuterol before meals, after meals, or in the morning with milk does not address the issue of minimizing gastric irritation, which is a common side effect of the medication.

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

A. Notify the provider if you plan to become pregnant.
B. Take the medication 1 hour before planning to go to sleep.
C. Allow at least 6 hours for sleep when taking zolpidem.
D. Do not take zolpidem with a bedtime snack.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Zolpidem is classified as Pregnancy Risk Category C. It is important for the client to inform the provider if they plan to become pregnant because the medication may need to be adjusted or changed to ensure the safety of the fetus. This communication allows for appropriate monitoring and adjustments to be made to the treatment plan. Choice B is incorrect because zolpidem should be taken just before going to bed, not specifically 1 hour before. Choice C is incorrect as zolpidem is a short-acting medication, and it does not require a full 6 hours for sleep. Choice D is incorrect because zolpidem can be taken with or without food, so taking it with a bedtime snack is not contraindicated.

5. A healthcare professional is caring for an older adult client who has a new prescription for Digoxin and takes multiple other medications. Which of the following medications, when used concurrently with Digoxin, places the client at risk for Digoxin toxicity?

A. Phenytoin
B. Verapamil
C. Warfarin
D. Aluminum hydroxide

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Verapamil, a calcium-channel blocker, can increase digoxin levels, leading to Digoxin toxicity. When these medications are used together, the client is at an increased risk. Phenytoin (Choice A) does not significantly impact digoxin levels. Warfarin (Choice C) and aluminum hydroxide (Choice D) do not directly increase the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the correct choice is Verapamil (Choice B) due to its potential to raise digoxin levels and cause toxicity.