A client calls the nurse help-line and says, 'My friend and I have been swimming and drinking beer all day and he took a couple of swigs of Robitussin DM (dextromethorphan) about 15 minutes ago. Now he is acting funny and seeing things.' What should the nurse consider when formulating a response?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct response is option D: "Dizziness is one of the adverse effects of this drug." Dextromethorphan (DM) is an over-the-counter cough suppressant found in medications like Robitussin. It can cause hallucinations, confusion, dizziness, and other central nervous system effects when taken in high doses. Option A is incorrect because dialysis is not the treatment for dextromethorphan overdose. Option B is incorrect because dextromethorphan is not an opioid; it acts on the brain differently. Option C is also incorrect because while dextromethorphan can be abused for its hallucinogenic effects, it is not considered highly addicting like some other substances. Educationally, it is important for nurses to be aware of the effects and risks associated with common over-the-counter medications like dextromethorphan. Understanding how these drugs can affect individuals, especially when combined with alcohol or other substances, is crucial for providing appropriate care and advice to patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Some institutions will not infuse a fat emulsion, such as Intralipid, into central venous access devices because lipid residue may accumulate in the CVAD and occlude the catheter. This can lead to complications such as catheter blockage, which may require removal and replacement of the catheter. The build-up of lipids in the catheter can interfere with proper medication delivery and potentially result in infection or other issues. Therefore, to prevent these complications, some institutions choose to avoid infusing fat emulsions through central venous access devices.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When administering IV potassium replacement to a hypokalemic patient who is not on a heart monitor, it is crucial to prevent rapid infusion that may lead to dangerous cardiac complications such as arrhythmias or cardiac arrest. The general guideline is to administer no more than 20 mEq/hour of potassium when the patient is not on continuous cardiac monitoring. This rate allows the body to tolerate the infusion more safely and reduces the risk of serious adverse effects. It is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's response to the potassium replacement and adjust the rate if necessary based on the patient's condition and any signs of potassium-related complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse will discuss grapefruit juice when teaching a patient about possible drug-food interactions with antilipemic therapy. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver, which can affect the metabolism of certain medications, including some antilipemic drugs. This interaction may lead to increased drug levels in the bloodstream, potentially causing harmful side effects. It is important for patients to be aware of this interaction and to consult their healthcare provider if they consume grapefruit juice while on antilipemic therapy.