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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) Take this medication on an empty stomach. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is crucial for the medication to be absorbed effectively in the body to achieve therapeutic effects. Taking Levothyroxine on an empty stomach, usually in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating, ensures optimal absorption as food can interfere with its uptake. Therefore, instructing the client to take this medication on an empty stomach will help maintain consistent blood levels of the drug. Option A) Take this medication with food is incorrect as it contradicts the need for an empty stomach for optimal absorption of Levothyroxine. Option B) Take this medication at bedtime is incorrect as Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning to prevent potential interference with sleep patterns due to its stimulating effects. Option D) Take this medication with antacids is incorrect because antacids can interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine, reducing its effectiveness. In an educational context, understanding the importance of proper medication administration is crucial for nursing practice. Nurses must have a solid foundation in pharmacology to provide accurate and safe medication administration instructions to patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and preventing potential complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this scenario, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for bradycardia when taking Atenolol, which is a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate. By monitoring for bradycardia, the client can catch this potential adverse effect early and seek medical attention if necessary. Regarding the other options: A) Tachycardia: Atenolol is actually used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate, so this would not be an expected adverse effect. B) Hypoglycemia: While beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, they do not typically cause hypoglycemia directly. Monitoring blood glucose levels would be important for clients with diabetes but not necessarily a primary concern with Atenolol. D) Hypertension: Atenolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, so developing hypertension would not be an expected adverse effect of this medication. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacological actions of medications and their potential side effects. It emphasizes the need for nurses to educate clients on how to monitor for and recognize adverse effects to promote safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial for nurses to understand the potential adverse effects of medications to ensure patient safety. In the case of Lisinopril, a common adverse effect to monitor for is a dry cough. This occurs due to the medication's effect on bradykinin levels, leading to irritation in the respiratory tract. Option A, dry cough, is the correct answer because it is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril. Monitoring for this adverse effect is important as it can be bothersome for the patient and may lead to non-adherence to the medication regimen. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, diarrhea, and nausea are not typically associated with Lisinopril. Weight gain is not a common side effect of this medication, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and nausea are less common compared to the dry cough. In an educational context, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications helps nurses provide comprehensive care to their patients. By knowing which side effects to monitor for, nurses can promptly identify and address any issues that may arise, ensuring patient safety and medication effectiveness.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The prescription provided includes the medication name, dosage, and route of administration. However, it lacks information about the frequency or timing of the medication administration. In this case, it is crucial to clarify the frequency with the provider to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication for the client with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) 2 tablets. To understand why, we need to calculate the total dose required. The prescription calls for Haloperidol 2 mg every 12 hours. Therefore, in a 24-hour period, the total dose needed would be 4 mg (2 mg every 12 hours). Since each tablet contains 1 mg of Haloperidol, the healthcare professional would need to administer 4 tablets in a 24-hour period to meet the prescribed dose. Now, let's analyze why the other options are incorrect: A) 1 tablet: This is incorrect because 1 tablet would only provide 1 mg, which is insufficient to meet the required dose of 4 mg in 24 hours. C) 3 tablets: This is incorrect because 3 tablets would provide 3 mg, which is higher than the required dose of 4 mg in 24 hours. D) 4 tablets: This is incorrect as well because administering 4 tablets would exceed the prescribed dose of 4 mg in 24 hours, leading to potential overdose and adverse effects. In an educational context, this question assesses the healthcare professional's ability to calculate medication dosages accurately and demonstrates the importance of understanding dosage calculations to ensure patient safety and effective treatment. It reinforces the need for precision in medication administration to prevent under or overdosing, highlighting the critical role pharmacology plays in healthcare practice.