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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lovastatin should be taken at bedtime because cholesterol production in the liver is highest at night, making the medication more effective in reducing cholesterol levels. By taking it at bedtime, the medication aligns with the body's natural rhythm of cholesterol synthesis, optimizing its therapeutic effects.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the action of aldosterone in the distal tubules of the kidney, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water while retaining potassium. Therefore, one of the most significant adverse effects of Spironolactone is hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Option B) Hypoglycemia is incorrect because Spironolactone does not typically affect blood glucose levels. Option C) Hypocalcemia is incorrect as Spironolactone does not directly impact calcium levels. Option D) Hyponatremia is also incorrect because Spironolactone's mechanism of action does not lead to decreased sodium levels. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. By teaching clients about the potential side effects of their medications, nurses empower them to recognize and report any concerning symptoms promptly, promoting medication adherence and patient safety. Regular monitoring and education on adverse effects are essential components of pharmacological management.

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: The correct instruction to include when a client is prescribed Furosemide is to change positions slowly. Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness and increasing the risk of falls. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent these potential adverse effects.

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.