A client has a new prescription for Digoxin to treat heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor as an adverse effect?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, it is crucial for nurses to understand the adverse effects of medications to ensure patient safety. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Visual disturbances. Digoxin, a medication commonly used to treat heart failure, can lead to visual disturbances as an adverse effect. This is due to its potential to cause toxicity, which can manifest as changes in vision. Monitoring for visual disturbances is crucial as it can indicate digoxin toxicity, prompting the need for dosage adjustments or discontinuation of the medication. Option B) Dry cough is not typically associated with digoxin use. Dry cough is more commonly seen with medications like ACE inhibitors. Option C) Confusion is not a typical adverse effect of digoxin. Confusion may be seen in conditions like delirium or electrolyte imbalances but is not directly related to digoxin use. Option D) Urinary retention is also not a common adverse effect of digoxin. Urinary retention is more commonly associated with medications that affect the smooth muscle tone of the bladder. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications like digoxin is essential for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Regular monitoring and assessment for these adverse effects can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct instruction for the nurse to provide to the client who is prescribed Metronidazole is option A: Avoid alcohol while taking this medication. Metronidazole is an antibiotic that can cause a disulfiram-like reaction when combined with alcohol, leading to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, flushing, and headache. Therefore, it is crucial for the client to abstain from alcohol consumption while on this medication to prevent these adverse reactions. Option B, taking the medication on an empty stomach, is incorrect because Metronidazole is typically recommended to be taken with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. Option C, increasing dairy intake, is incorrect as there is no specific need to increase dairy consumption while on Metronidazole treatment. Option D, avoiding direct sunlight, is also incorrect as Metronidazole does not typically cause photosensitivity reactions. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the specific medication instructions for drugs like Metronidazole to ensure safe and effective patient care. Providing accurate information regarding drug interactions and potential side effects is crucial in preventing harm and promoting positive patient outcomes. It is also essential for nurses to be able to communicate these instructions clearly to patients to enhance medication adherence and therapeutic success.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding medication dosages and factors influencing metabolism is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Liver failure. Liver failure can significantly impair the liver's ability to metabolize medications, leading to drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Lower medication dosages are necessary to prevent adverse effects in patients with liver dysfunction. A) Increased renal secretion is not a reason to administer lower medication dosages. Renal excretion primarily affects drug elimination rather than dosage adjustment based on metabolism. B) Increased medication-metabolizing enzymes would typically require higher medication dosages to achieve therapeutic levels due to increased metabolism rates, making this option incorrect. D) Peripheral vascular disease does not directly impact medication metabolism or necessitate lower dosages based on metabolic factors. In an educational context, nurses need to grasp the importance of individualized medication dosing based on factors like liver function to ensure patient safety and optimal treatment outcomes. Understanding these concepts equips nurses to provide accurate and personalized medication administration, especially in patients with liver impairment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial for nurses to gather comprehensive information about patients before administering medications to ensure safety and effectiveness. In this scenario, the correct answer is option A) Use of herbal teas. 1. **Correct Answer Rationale (Option A)**: Herbal teas contain bioactive compounds that can interact with prescribed medications, leading to adverse effects or reduced drug efficacy. By knowing a patient's use of herbal teas, the nurse can identify potential drug-herb interactions and adjust medication regimens accordingly. 2. **Incorrect Answer Rationales**: - **Option B (Daily fluid intake)**: While monitoring fluid intake is essential for some medications, it is not directly related to pre-assessment for potential drug interactions. - **Option C (Current health status)**: While important for overall patient assessment, current health status may not specifically address the risk of drug-herb interactions. - **Option D (Previous surgical history)**: Past surgeries are important for understanding a patient's medical history but do not directly impact potential drug-herb interactions. 3. **Educational Context**: Understanding the significance of herbal tea use in pharmacology pre-assessment highlights the importance of considering alternative therapies and their potential interactions with conventional medications. It reinforces the need for a thorough assessment to provide safe and individualized care to patients. Nurses play a vital role in medication safety by recognizing and addressing potential herb-drug interactions.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Changing positions slowly can help prevent orthostatic hypotension, a common adverse effect of tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline. It is essential to educate the client to avoid sudden position changes to minimize the risk of dizziness and falls. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. Therapeutic effects of Amitriptyline may not be noticeable for 1-3 weeks, so expecting them in 24 to 48 hours (choice A) is unrealistic. Discontinuing the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and should be done gradually under healthcare provider supervision, so choice B is incorrect. Amitriptyline can actually cause constipation, so decreasing dietary fiber intake would not be recommended to control diarrhea, making choice D incorrect.