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

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Nifedipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used to treat hypertension and angina. The correct answer is B) Edema. Nifedipine can cause peripheral edema due to its vasodilatory effects, leading to fluid accumulation in the extremities. This adverse effect is important to monitor as it can impact the client's comfort and compliance with the medication. A) Hypertension is incorrect because Nifedipine is actually used to treat hypertension by causing vasodilation and reducing blood pressure. C) Hyperglycemia is not a common adverse effect of Nifedipine. In fact, calcium channel blockers are typically considered safe for patients with diabetes. D) Bradycardia is unlikely with Nifedipine as it does not have a direct effect on heart rate. In fact, it may cause reflex tachycardia as a compensatory mechanism for the drop in blood pressure. Educationally, understanding the common adverse effects of medications is crucial for safe medication administration and patient monitoring. Nurses need to be familiar with potential side effects to provide comprehensive care, educate patients, and intervene promptly if adverse reactions occur.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Tachycardia. When teaching a client about a new prescription for Hydralazine, a vasodilator used to treat hypertension, it is crucial to highlight potential adverse effects. Hydralazine can cause tachycardia as a common side effect due to its direct vasodilatory effect on arteries, leading to reflex tachycardia as the body compensates for the sudden drop in blood pressure. The incorrect options are B) Hyperglycemia, C) Hyponatremia, and D) Constipation. Hydralazine does not typically impact blood glucose levels, sodium levels, or cause constipation. Therefore, educating the client on monitoring for these specific adverse effects would not be relevant in the context of taking Hydralazine. In an educational context, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific adverse effects of medications enhances patient safety and promotes effective medication management. Nurses play a vital role in educating clients on medication side effects to empower them to recognize and report any concerning symptoms promptly, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to provide accurate instructions to clients for safe and effective medication use. In the case of Nitrofurantoin, which is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections, the correct instruction is to take the medication with food (Option A). This is because taking Nitrofurantoin with food helps to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and upset stomach. Option B, which suggests avoiding dairy products while taking the medication, is incorrect. While it is true that dairy products can decrease the absorption of some antibiotics, Nitrofurantoin is not affected by dairy products, so there is no need to avoid them. Option C, advising to take the medication at bedtime, is also incorrect. Nitrofurantoin is typically taken multiple times a day to maintain therapeutic levels in the body, so timing it specifically at bedtime is not necessary. Option D, recommending an increase in vitamin C intake, is irrelevant to Nitrofurantoin therapy and therefore incorrect. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind medication instructions is vital for nurses and healthcare providers to ensure optimal patient outcomes. By explaining the reasons behind each instruction, we equip students with the knowledge to make informed decisions and provide safe care to their future patients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Avoid taking this medication with dairy products. Ciprofloxacin is a fluoroquinolone antibiotic that can form chelates with divalent and trivalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, aluminum, and iron found in dairy products, antacids, and multivitamins. These chelates can reduce the absorption of ciprofloxacin, leading to decreased effectiveness of the medication. Option A) Take this medication with meals is incorrect because taking ciprofloxacin with food may delay its absorption, but it is not a critical instruction like avoiding dairy products. Option C) Take this medication at bedtime does not impact the absorption or effectiveness of ciprofloxacin, so it is not a necessary instruction. Option D) Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods is irrelevant to ciprofloxacin therapy and does not play a role in the medication's mechanism of action or potential interactions. Educationally, understanding medication administration instructions is crucial for nurses to ensure the effectiveness of treatment and prevent potential drug interactions. Providing accurate information to clients about medication administration helps promote patient safety and optimal therapeutic outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the correct instruction for a client prescribed Phenytoin is option A) "Brush and floss your teeth regularly." Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia, a side effect characterized by an overgrowth of gum tissue. By emphasizing good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing and flossing, the nurse can help prevent or minimize this side effect. Option B) "Avoid drinking grapefruit juice" is incorrect because grapefruit juice is known to interact with certain medications by inhibiting their metabolism, but this is not a concern with Phenytoin. Option C) "Take this medication with food" is incorrect as Phenytoin is typically recommended to be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. Option D) "Increase your intake of calcium-rich foods" is incorrect as Phenytoin can actually interfere with the absorption of calcium, potentially leading to decreased levels in the body. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding medication-specific instructions and side effects. It underscores the significance of patient education in preventing adverse reactions and promoting medication adherence. Nurses play a crucial role in providing clear and accurate information to patients to ensure safe and effective medication management.