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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the administration instructions for medications is crucial to ensure their efficacy and safety. In the case of Levothyroxine, the correct instruction is to take the medication on an empty stomach. This is because Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication that needs to be absorbed consistently and fully to maintain thyroid hormone levels in the body. Taking it on an empty stomach ensures optimal absorption, as food can interfere with its uptake. Option A, taking the medication with food, is incorrect because, as mentioned, food can interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine. Option B, taking the medication at bedtime, is also incorrect because it is recommended to take Levothyroxine in the morning on an empty stomach to avoid potential interactions with food throughout the day. Option D, taking the medication with antacids, is wrong because antacids can also interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine, reducing its effectiveness. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind specific medication administration instructions not only ensures the medication's effectiveness but also prevents potential adverse effects. It is essential for nurses to educate clients on the proper administration of medications to promote positive health outcomes and prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is option C: Bradycardia. Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication that works by slowing down the heart rate. Therefore, a potential adverse effect of atenolol is bradycardia, which is a slow heart rate. Option A, Tachycardia, is incorrect because atenolol actually works to reduce heart rate, so an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) would not be an expected adverse effect. Option B, Hypoglycemia, is not typically associated with atenolol use. Atenolol can mask some of the symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as tachycardia, but it does not directly cause hypoglycemia. Option D, Hypertension, is also incorrect because atenolol is actually used to treat hypertension by lowering blood pressure, so hypertension would not be an expected adverse effect. From an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the pharmacological actions of medications to anticipate potential adverse effects. By teaching clients to monitor for signs of bradycardia when taking atenolol, nurses can help ensure patient safety and medication adherence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding potential adverse effects of medications is crucial for safe patient care. In the case of Lisinopril, a common side effect to monitor for is a dry cough. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can lead to the accumulation of bradykinin, causing irritation in the respiratory tract and resulting in a persistent dry cough. This adverse effect is unique to ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril. Regarding the other options: - Weight gain is not a common adverse effect of Lisinopril. In fact, ACE inhibitors are more likely to cause weight loss or have a neutral effect on weight. - Diarrhea is not a typical adverse effect of Lisinopril. Gastrointestinal disturbances are less common with this medication. - Nausea is also not a primary adverse effect of Lisinopril. While some patients may experience gastrointestinal upset, nausea is not a predominant side effect associated with this medication. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding specific adverse effects associated with different drug classes. It emphasizes the need for nurses to be diligent in monitoring for common side effects to ensure timely interventions and optimal patient outcomes. Understanding these nuances in pharmacology is essential for safe medication administration and patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this scenario, the healthcare professional should clarify the frequency part of the prescription with the provider. The correct answer is D) Frequency. Rationale: - Frequency refers to how often the medication should be taken. In this case, "PRN" (pro re nata) indicates that Ondansetron should be taken as needed for nausea and vomiting. However, it is crucial to establish clear parameters for when and how often the medication can be used to ensure proper management of Hyperemesis Gravidarum. - A) Name: The name refers to the medication prescribed, which in this case is Ondansetron. Since the medication name is clear, there is no need to clarify this with the provider. - B) Dosage: The dosage specified is 4 mg, which is a standard dose for Ondansetron. Unless there are specific concerns about the dosage in the context of pregnancy, there is no immediate need to clarify this with the provider. - C) Route: The route specified is PO (by mouth), which is appropriate for oral medications. Given that the client is prescribed Ondansetron for oral use, there is no need to question the route with the provider. Educational Context: Understanding prescription components is essential for healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective medication administration. In this case, clarifying the frequency of a PRN medication helps prevent under or overuse, especially in the context of managing conditions like Hyperemesis Gravidarum during pregnancy. By focusing on the frequency aspect, healthcare providers can optimize patient care and medication outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this pharmacology scenario, the correct answer is B) 2 tablets. Haloperidol 2 mg PO every 12 hours means a total of 4 mg daily. Since each tablet is 1 mg, the healthcare professional should administer 2 tablets to achieve the prescribed dose. Option A) 1 tablet is incorrect because it would only provide 1 mg, not the required 2 mg. Option C) 3 tablets and Option D) 4 tablets are incorrect as they would exceed the prescribed dose of 2 mg. This question is crucial in pharmacology education as it assesses the healthcare professional's ability to accurately calculate and administer medication dosages. It tests their understanding of dosage strength, frequency, and total daily intake. Such calculations are vital to prevent medication errors and ensure patient safety. Mastering these calculations is essential for healthcare professionals working in clinical settings.