A client has a new prescription for Lisinopril. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

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: 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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Avoiding reinserting the needle into an IV catheter is crucial to minimizing the risk of catheter embolism. Reinserting the needle can lead to the severing of the catheter's end, potentially causing a catheter embolism, a serious complication. The other options, while important for IV therapy safety, are not directly related to preventing catheter embolism.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When Oxycodone, a narcotic analgesic, and Ibuprofen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), are taken together, they work synergistically to enhance the pain-relieving effects of both medications. These drugs act through different mechanisms, leading to a combined analgesic effect that is more effective than when used alone. Therefore, the interaction between Oxycodone and Ibuprofen results in an increase in the expected therapeutic effect of both medications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is D) This medication has a low risk for dependency. It is important for the nurse to include this information because Buspirone is a medication commonly used to treat anxiety disorders, and one of its advantages is its low potential for causing dependency or addiction compared to other anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. Option A) Take this medication with food is incorrect because Buspirone can be taken with or without food, so it is not necessary to always take it with food. Option B) Expect optimal therapeutic effects within 24 hours is incorrect because Buspirone may take several weeks to reach its full therapeutic effect, so it is important for the client to understand that it may not provide immediate relief of anxiety symptoms. Option C) Take this medication daily for anxiety is incorrect because Buspirone is typically taken on a scheduled basis, not only when experiencing anxiety symptoms. It is important for the client to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule for optimal effectiveness. Educationally, understanding the properties of different medications used to treat anxiety is crucial for nurses to provide accurate and comprehensive information to clients. By knowing the characteristics of Buspirone, nurses can guide clients in using the medication effectively and help prevent misconceptions or misuse. It also fosters a culture of safe and informed medication management in healthcare settings.