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

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid drinking grapefruit juice when taking Atorvastatin. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of Atorvastatin, leading to increased blood levels of the medication, which can result in a higher risk of adverse effects, such as muscle pain and liver damage. It is important for the client to follow this instruction to ensure the safe and effective use of Atorvastatin.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the proper administration of medications is crucial to ensure their effectiveness and to prevent adverse effects. In the case of Metformin, the correct instruction to include for the client is option A) Take this medication with food. The rationale behind this is that taking Metformin with food helps to reduce the likelihood of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and bloating. Food can help slow down the absorption of the medication, reducing the chances of these side effects occurring. Option B) Avoid eating foods high in potassium is incorrect because Metformin does not interact with potassium levels in the body. This instruction is not relevant to the administration of Metformin. Option C) Take this medication at bedtime is incorrect because Metformin is typically taken with meals to help minimize side effects and to ensure proper absorption. Taking it at bedtime may increase the risk of gastrointestinal disturbances during the night. Option D) Take this medication every other day is incorrect because Metformin is usually prescribed to be taken daily to maintain steady blood levels of the medication and to effectively manage conditions such as diabetes. In an educational context, it is important for healthcare providers to understand the rationale behind medication administration instructions to provide safe and effective care to their patients. By knowing why certain instructions are given, healthcare professionals can better educate their patients on how to take their medications correctly to achieve the best therapeutic outcomes while minimizing adverse effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by reducing the formation of blood clots. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client's platelet count to assess for potential bleeding complications. A decrease in platelet count could indicate a risk of bleeding, which is an adverse effect associated with Clopidogrel therapy. Monitoring other laboratory values like white blood cell count, hemoglobin, and blood glucose is important for assessing overall health status but is not directly related to the potential adverse effects of Clopidogrel.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A routine prescription indicates medications to be administered on a regular schedule without a termination date or a specific number of doses. In this case, Lisinopril 10 mg PO once daily falls under a routine prescription, meaning the nurse will administer this medication daily until the provider discontinues it.