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

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: B

Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia, leading to a decreased heart rate. Monitoring heart rate regularly is essential to detect any significant decreases promptly and seek medical attention. While other choices may be relevant to the client's overall health, monitoring heart rate is the priority instruction due to the nature of Atenolol's effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets, the correct instruction for the client is to take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses (Option B). This dosing regimen is crucial in the management of acute angina attacks as Nitroglycerin is a fast-acting vasodilator that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Option A is incorrect as taking a tablet every 15 minutes may delay the relief of pain in acute situations where prompt action is necessary. Option C is incorrect as taking the tablet at bedtime does not align with the immediate relief goal of Nitroglycerin. Option D is also incorrect as there is no requirement to take Nitroglycerin on an empty stomach. Educationally, understanding the appropriate dosing regimen for Nitroglycerin is essential for nurses to effectively manage and educate clients with angina. Teaching clients the correct administration technique can significantly impact the successful management of their condition and improve outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of a client starting a new prescription for Prednisone, the nurse should monitor serum glucose levels. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Monitoring serum glucose levels can help detect and manage this potential side effect. For the other options: - Serum potassium: Prednisone can lead to hypokalemia, but monitoring potassium levels is not the priority in this scenario. - Serum calcium: Prednisone does not directly affect calcium levels, so monitoring serum calcium is not necessary in this case. - Serum sodium: Prednisone can cause sodium retention, but monitoring sodium levels is not the priority compared to glucose monitoring in this situation. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and monitoring parameters for commonly prescribed medications like Prednisone is crucial for nursing practice. By knowing which laboratory values to monitor and why, nurses can provide safe and effective care to their patients, prevent complications, and intervene promptly if issues arise.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the correct answer is A) St. John's wort. St. John's wort is known to interact with Warfarin, a blood thinner, by decreasing its effectiveness. This herb can lead to an increased risk of blood clots due to its impact on Warfarin metabolism. Therefore, clients on Warfarin should avoid St. John's wort to prevent dangerous interactions. Regarding the other options: - B) Echinacea: Echinacea is not known to interact significantly with Warfarin, so it is not the best answer in this case. - C) Garlic: While garlic may also interact with certain medications, there is no specific evidence to suggest a significant interaction with Warfarin compared to St. John's wort. - D) Ginseng: Ginseng is not typically associated with interactions with Warfarin that are as clinically significant as those with St. John's wort. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding potential herb-drug interactions, especially with commonly used medications like Warfarin. Healthcare providers need to be knowledgeable about these interactions to provide safe and effective care to their patients. Patients should always inform their healthcare providers about any herbal supplements they are taking to prevent adverse effects and optimize treatment outcomes.