A client has a new prescription for Alendronate. Which of the following instructions should be included in the discharge teaching?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to provide accurate discharge teaching to ensure patient safety and medication effectiveness. In the case of Alendronate, the correct instruction is to remain upright for 30 minutes after taking the medication. This is because Alendronate is a bisphosphonate used to treat osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption. Remaining upright helps prevent esophageal irritation and reduces the risk of esophageal ulcers, a common side effect of this medication. Option A, taking the medication at bedtime, is incorrect because Alendronate should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with a full glass of water to enhance absorption. Option C, taking the medication with food, is also incorrect as it can decrease the absorption of Alendronate. Option D, increasing intake of calcium-rich foods, is not relevant to the administration of Alendronate but is important for overall bone health. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind specific medication instructions is essential for nursing practice. It ensures that nurses can provide accurate information to patients, promote medication compliance, and prevent potential complications. By grasping the pharmacokinetics and administration principles of medications like Alendronate, nurses can contribute to improving patient outcomes and safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker commonly prescribed to manage hypertension, angina, and certain cardiac arrhythmias. Grapefruit juice inhibits the enzyme CYP3A4 in the liver, which can lead to increased levels of Verapamil in the bloodstream, causing potential toxicity or adverse effects. Option A) Take this medication at bedtime is incorrect as Verapamil is typically prescribed to be taken at specific times based on the condition being treated to maintain therapeutic levels throughout the day. Option B) Monitor for signs of hyperglycemia is irrelevant to Verapamil as it does not directly impact blood sugar levels. Option D) Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods is also incorrect as Verapamil does not typically affect potassium levels in the body. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding drug-food interactions and the significance of providing clear instructions to clients to ensure safe and effective medication therapy. Nurses must educate clients on potential interactions to prevent adverse outcomes and promote medication adherence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the potential side effects and monitoring parameters of specific medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this case, the correct answer is A) Serum potassium when a client is prescribed Losartan, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker commonly used to treat hypertension. Losartan, like other medications in its class, can cause potassium retention as a side effect. Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to prevent hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. The incorrect options (B) Serum sodium, (C) Serum calcium, and (D) Serum magnesium are not directly affected by Losartan. Understanding the specific laboratory values to monitor for each medication helps nurses and healthcare providers ensure patient safety and detect and manage potential adverse effects promptly. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of medication-specific monitoring parameters in pharmacology practice. It reinforces the need for nurses to have a solid understanding of pharmacokinetics and potential side effects of medications to provide safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the correct answer for the client with a new prescription for Amiodarone is option B: Avoid drinking grapefruit juice. This instruction is crucial because grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of Amiodarone, leading to increased drug levels in the body and potentially causing harmful side effects or toxicity. Option A (Take this medication with meals) is incorrect because Amiodarone is typically recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to enhance its absorption. Taking it with meals may reduce its effectiveness. Option C (Take this medication at bedtime) is incorrect because Amiodarone is usually prescribed to be taken consistently at the same time(s) each day to maintain steady blood levels, regardless of the time of day. Option D (Increase your intake of sodium-rich foods) is incorrect because Amiodarone can already cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly affecting potassium levels, and increasing sodium intake could exacerbate these issues. In an educational context, understanding the specific instructions for medications like Amiodarone is essential for nurses to ensure safe and effective drug therapy for their patients. Providing accurate information about drug administration, interactions, and precautions helps prevent adverse reactions and promotes positive patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The correct answer, option A - Bradycardia, is a sign of potential Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, but an overdose can lead to excessive slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia), which can be dangerous. Option B - Hypertension, is incorrect because Digoxin toxicity is more commonly associated with bradycardia rather than hypertension. Option C - Hyperglycemia, and Option D - Hypocalcemia, are also incorrect as they are not typically associated with Digoxin toxicity. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of Digoxin toxicity is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure safe medication administration and patient care. Monitoring for bradycardia, along with other signs like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion, is essential in preventing serious complications from Digoxin overdose.