A client has a new prescription for colchicine to treat gout. Which of the following instructions should be included?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Monitoring for muscle pain is crucial when taking colchicine because it can lead to rhabdomyolysis, a serious condition characterized by muscle breakdown. This adverse effect needs prompt identification to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because taking colchicine with food, experiencing increased bruising, or increasing grapefruit juice intake are not relevant instructions for a client prescribed colchicine for gout.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction for dry mouth associated with diphenhydramine is to chew on sugarless gum or suck on hard, sour candies. These actions stimulate saliva production, providing relief from dry mouth. Administering the medication with food (Choice A) may help reduce stomach upset but won't address dry mouth. Placing a humidifier at the bedside (Choice C) can help with dry air-related issues but won't specifically target dry mouth. Discontinuing the medication (Choice D) without consulting the provider is not recommended and may lead to inadequate treatment of poison ivy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, option D "I feel nauseated and have no appetite" indicates an adverse effect of digoxin. Digoxin can cause gastrointestinal disturbances like nausea and decreased appetite, which are signs of toxicity. These symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider as they can lead to serious complications. Option A, "I can walk a mile a day," is not indicative of an adverse effect of digoxin. It may actually suggest an improvement in the client's condition due to the medication's positive effects on heart function. Option B, "I've had a backache for several days," is not typically associated with digoxin use. Backache is not a common side effect of digoxin and would not be a primary concern in this case. Option C, "I am urinating more frequently," is also not a typical adverse effect of digoxin. Increased urination is not a common side effect of digoxin and would not be directly related to its use in treating heart failure. Educationally, it is crucial for students to understand the common side effects and adverse reactions of medications used in specific conditions like heart failure. Recognizing and differentiating between expected outcomes and potential adverse effects is essential for safe medication administration and patient care. This question reinforces the importance of monitoring for and reporting adverse effects promptly to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for taking alendronate is to take it with a full glass of water after rising in the morning to prevent esophageal irritation. It is important to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication to reduce the risk of esophageal irritation and ensure proper absorption. Taking the medication with a meal or crushing the tablet are not recommended instructions for alendronate administration. Choice A is the correct answer as it aligns with the proper administration guidelines for alendronate.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Lactulose is administered to clients with cirrhosis to lower blood ammonia levels, thus aiding in the prevention of hepatic encephalopathy. Elevated ammonia levels in cirrhosis can lead to cognitive impairment and hepatic encephalopathy. Therefore, the correct answer is B (Ammonia). Glucose (Choice A) is not the component targeted by lactulose in cirrhosis. Potassium (Choice C) and Bicarbonate (Choice D) are not directly affected by lactulose administration in cirrhosis.