A client has a new prescription for Losartan. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the potential side effects and monitoring parameters of specific medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this case, the correct answer is A) Serum potassium when a client is prescribed Losartan, which is an angiotensin II receptor blocker commonly used to treat hypertension. Losartan, like other medications in its class, can cause potassium retention as a side effect. Monitoring serum potassium levels is essential to prevent hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. The incorrect options (B) Serum sodium, (C) Serum calcium, and (D) Serum magnesium are not directly affected by Losartan. Understanding the specific laboratory values to monitor for each medication helps nurses and healthcare providers ensure patient safety and detect and manage potential adverse effects promptly. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of medication-specific monitoring parameters in pharmacology practice. It reinforces the need for nurses to have a solid understanding of pharmacokinetics and potential side effects of medications to provide safe and effective patient care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions like heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The correct answer, option A - Bradycardia, is a sign of potential Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions, but an overdose can lead to excessive slowing of the heart rate (bradycardia), which can be dangerous. Option B - Hypertension, is incorrect because Digoxin toxicity is more commonly associated with bradycardia rather than hypertension. Option C - Hyperglycemia, and Option D - Hypocalcemia, are also incorrect as they are not typically associated with Digoxin toxicity. Educationally, understanding the signs and symptoms of Digoxin toxicity is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals to ensure safe medication administration and patient care. Monitoring for bradycardia, along with other signs like nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion, is essential in preventing serious complications from Digoxin overdose.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Atenolol is a beta-blocker that can cause bradycardia, leading to a decreased heart rate. Monitoring heart rate regularly is essential to detect any significant decreases promptly and seek medical attention. While other choices may be relevant to the client's overall health, monitoring heart rate is the priority instruction due to the nature of Atenolol's effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the context of Nitroglycerin sublingual tablets, the correct instruction for the client is to take one tablet every 5 minutes, up to three doses (Option B). This dosing regimen is crucial in the management of acute angina attacks as Nitroglycerin is a fast-acting vasodilator that helps dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Option A is incorrect as taking a tablet every 15 minutes may delay the relief of pain in acute situations where prompt action is necessary. Option C is incorrect as taking the tablet at bedtime does not align with the immediate relief goal of Nitroglycerin. Option D is also incorrect as there is no requirement to take Nitroglycerin on an empty stomach. Educationally, understanding the appropriate dosing regimen for Nitroglycerin is essential for nurses to effectively manage and educate clients with angina. Teaching clients the correct administration technique can significantly impact the successful management of their condition and improve outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In the case of a client starting a new prescription for Prednisone, the nurse should monitor serum glucose levels. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can lead to hyperglycemia by increasing blood glucose levels. Monitoring serum glucose levels can help detect and manage this potential side effect. For the other options: - Serum potassium: Prednisone can lead to hypokalemia, but monitoring potassium levels is not the priority in this scenario. - Serum calcium: Prednisone does not directly affect calcium levels, so monitoring serum calcium is not necessary in this case. - Serum sodium: Prednisone can cause sodium retention, but monitoring sodium levels is not the priority compared to glucose monitoring in this situation. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and monitoring parameters for commonly prescribed medications like Prednisone is crucial for nursing practice. By knowing which laboratory values to monitor and why, nurses can provide safe and effective care to their patients, prevent complications, and intervene promptly if issues arise.