A client has a new prescription for Labetalol. Which of the following instructions should be provided?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding medication administration instructions is crucial for ensuring optimal patient outcomes. In the case of Labetalol, which is a beta-blocker used to treat hypertension, instructing the client to take the medication with food is essential. The correct answer (A) is to take the medication with food because beta-blockers like Labetalol can cause gastric irritation and are better absorbed with food, which can help minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Option B, monitoring blood glucose levels, is incorrect as Labetalol does not directly impact blood glucose levels. Option C, expecting a rapid heart rate, is also incorrect because beta-blockers like Labetalol actually work to lower heart rate and blood pressure. Option D, increasing intake of high-sodium foods, is incorrect as beta-blockers often require a low-sodium diet to manage hypertension effectively. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind medication instructions helps students grasp the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of drugs. It reinforces the importance of patient education and adherence to medication regimens to achieve therapeutic goals. Understanding these principles is essential for safe medication administration and patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients with conditions like pernicious anemia or other causes of vitamin B12 deficiency may require lifelong cyanocobalamin supplementation to prevent deficiency. This is because their bodies are unable to absorb B12 from dietary sources adequately, necessitating ongoing injections to maintain optimal B12 levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is an early sign of aspirin toxicity. Aspirin poisoning can cause salicylate intoxication, which includes symptoms like tinnitus, nausea, vomiting, confusion, rapid breathing, and sweating. Other signs of aspirin toxicity may include respiratory alkalosis, metabolic acidosis, hyperthermia, and even seizures. Monitoring for tinnitus is important in clients who may have aspirin toxicity as it serves as an early warning sign to prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should identify that colestipol should be administered 1 hour before or 4 to 6 hours after any other oral medication. This is because colestipol can interfere with the absorption of other medications due to its binding properties in the gut. Administering it separately from other medications helps to avoid any potential interaction and ensures the effectiveness of both the colestipol and other medications. Additionally, colestipol is typically taken with meals to enhance its tolerability and effectiveness in lowering cholesterol levels.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thrombolytic drugs, also known as clot busters, are used to dissolve blood clots, specifically in the coronary artery for patients with acute myocardial infarction (heart attack). These medications work by activating the body's natural plasminogen system to break down the clot and restore blood flow to the heart muscle. By helping to dissolve the clot, thrombolytic therapy can help to minimize damage to the heart muscle and improve the patient's outcome following a heart attack. It is crucial for patients to receive this treatment promptly after the onset of symptoms for the best chance of success.