A client has a new prescription for Furosemide to treat heart failure. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client's potassium levels when taking Furosemide because the medication can lead to hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a potential side effect of Furosemide, a loop diuretic, due to increased potassium excretion in the urine. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac dysrhythmias associated with low potassium levels. Therefore, choices B (Sodium level), C (Hemoglobin A1C), and D (BUN) are incorrect as they are not directly influenced by Furosemide therapy for heart failure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Metformin is excreted by the kidneys, and impaired kidney function can lead to an increased risk of lactic acidosis, a serious side effect. Therefore, it is important to monitor kidney function regularly while a client is on Metformin. Hemoglobin A1C is used to monitor long-term glucose control, but kidney function is the priority for monitoring Metformin therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction is to take Efavirenz at bedtime to prevent drowsiness and manage central nervous system side effects like dizziness and vivid dreams. While it is important to take the medication at the same time daily for consistent blood levels, the emphasis should be on bedtime to minimize the impact of these side effects. Choices B and C suggesting taking the medication with milk or juice are incorrect and not relevant to optimizing Efavirenz therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement to include when teaching a client about Diltiazem is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice. Grapefruit juice can increase the levels of diltiazem in the blood, leading to potential toxicity and increased side effects. It is important for the client to be aware of this interaction to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication. Option A is incorrect because dry mouth is not a common side effect of Diltiazem. Option C is incorrect because Diltiazem is actually used to treat rapid heart rates. Option D is unrelated to the medication and not relevant to the teaching.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A common adverse effect of lisinopril is a persistent dry cough. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause irritation in the respiratory tract, leading to a cough. Monitoring for a persistent cough is essential as it may indicate a serious adverse effect that requires medical attention. Hyperglycemia (Choice B) is not a common adverse effect of lisinopril. Headache (Choice C) and dry mouth (Choice D) are not typically associated with lisinopril use. Therefore, the correct answer is A: Cough.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Levothyroxine should be taken first thing in the morning before eating to ensure optimal absorption. Taking it on an empty stomach helps prevent interactions with food or other medications that may decrease its effectiveness. It is important to follow this timing recommendation to maintain consistent thyroid hormone levels in the body. Choice B is incorrect as taking Levothyroxine at bedtime may lead to inconsistent absorption and affect its efficacy. Choice C is incorrect because taking Levothyroxine with food can interfere with its absorption. Choice D is incorrect as Levothyroxine should be taken with a full glass of water, not milk, to aid in proper absorption.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: To obtain an accurate gentamicin serum level, the trough should be drawn immediately before administering the medication, and the peak level should be drawn 30 minutes after the dose. This timing allows for the assessment of the lowest and highest drug concentrations in the bloodstream, ensuring therapeutic levels are achieved while minimizing the risk of toxicity. Choice A is correct as it follows this timing protocol. Choices B and D have incorrect timing for peak and trough levels, which would not provide an accurate representation of the drug's concentration in the bloodstream.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct statement to include when educating a client about Bisacodyl is to expect rectal burning with the suppository form. Bisacodyl, a stimulant laxative, is known to cause rectal burning when administered as a suppository. This side effect is common and expected, and it is important for the client to be aware of it to prevent unnecessary alarm or concern. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Taking Bisacodyl before bedtime is not a common instruction; expecting a rapid heart rate is not a typical side effect of Bisacodyl; and increasing intake of high-sodium foods is not related to the use of Bisacodyl.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Senna is a stimulant laxative commonly used to treat constipation by stimulating bowel movements. It is typically indicated for patients who have not passed stool in several days, thereby helping to relieve constipation. Patients with eating disorders may require different treatments related to their condition. Patients with anal fissures or a history of hemorrhoids may need treatments targeted at those specific issues, which may not involve Senna.