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

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ATI Pharmacology Proctored Exam Questions

Question 1 of 9

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

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that can cause hyperkalemia by affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The nurse should closely monitor the client's potassium levels due to the risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications. Choice B, hypoglycemia, is not a common adverse effect of Valsartan. Choice C, bradycardia, is not directly associated with Valsartan use. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is not a typical adverse effect of Valsartan.

Question 2 of 9

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

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When educating a client about taking Hydrochlorothiazide, the nurse should advise taking the medication with food or after meals to prevent gastrointestinal upset. This medication is a diuretic, so it is important to maintain adequate fluid intake throughout the day to prevent dehydration. Taking it at bedtime is not necessary, and increased swelling of the ankles is not an expected side effect of this medication. Limiting fluid intake in the morning is not necessary and could lead to dehydration, which is a potential side effect of this diuretic.

Question 3 of 9

A child is prescribed Amoxicillin 20 mg/kg/day PO to be administered every 12 hr. The child weighs 44 lb. The available medication is amoxicillin suspension 250 mg/5 mL. How many mL should be given per dose?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: To calculate the dosage per administration: Convert the weight to kg (44 lb / 2.2 lb/kg = 20 kg). Then, (20 mg/kg/day x 20 kg) / 2 (for every 12 hr dosing) = 200 mg per dose. (200 mg / 250 mg) x 5 mL = 4 mL per dose. Therefore, the nurse should administer 4 mL of amoxicillin suspension per dose. Choice B, 5 mL, is incorrect because the calculation shows that 4 mL is the correct dose. Choices C and D are also incorrect as they are not in line with the calculated dosage based on the weight of the child and the concentration of the medication.

Question 4 of 9

A client has a new prescription for Lithium Carbonate. When teaching the client about ways to prevent Lithium toxicity, the client should be advised to do which of the following?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to advise the client to limit aerobic activity in hot weather. Aerobic activity in hot weather can lead to excessive sweating, potentially causing sodium and water depletion, which can increase the risk of Lithium toxicity. It is important for clients taking Lithium to maintain adequate hydration and sodium levels to prevent toxicity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Avoiding acetaminophen for headaches is not directly related to Lithium toxicity. Restricting intake of foods rich in sodium is not recommended because adequate sodium levels are necessary to prevent Lithium toxicity. Decreasing fluid intake to less than 1,500 mL daily is also not advisable as adequate hydration is important to prevent Lithium toxicity.

Question 5 of 9

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

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Paroxetine, an antidepressant commonly used for OCD, typically takes 1 to 4 weeks before the client experiences the full therapeutic benefit. Therefore, informing the client that it may take several weeks before feeling the medication's effects is crucial to manage expectations and ensure compliance with the treatment plan. Choice B is incorrect because Paroxetine is usually taken in the morning due to its activating effects and may cause insomnia if taken before bedtime. Choice C is incorrect because Paroxetine should be taken regularly as prescribed, not just when experiencing obsessive urges. Choice D is incorrect because although weight gain can be a side effect of Paroxetine, it is not a priority instruction compared to the delayed onset of therapeutic effects.

Question 6 of 9

A client has a new prescription for Morphine to manage post-operative pain. Which of the following assessments should the nurse perform first?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The nurse should prioritize assessing the client's respiratory rate first when administering Morphine due to the risk of respiratory depression, which is a life-threatening adverse effect of this medication. Monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory distress early and take prompt action to ensure the client's safety. Assessing urine output, bowel sounds, and pain level are also important but not as critical as monitoring respiratory rate when initiating Morphine therapy.

Question 7 of 9

A healthcare professional is reviewing a client's medication history and notes a new prescription for Enalapril. The healthcare professional should monitor the client for which of the following as an adverse effect of this medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, can cause hyperkalemia as an adverse effect due to decreased aldosterone levels, which leads to potassium retention. Monitoring potassium levels is essential to prevent potential complications associated with hyperkalemia. The other options, bradycardia, hypoglycemia, and hypocalcemia, are not typically associated with Enalapril use and are less likely to occur as adverse effects.

Question 8 of 9

A nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client who has a new prescription for a Fentanyl transdermal patch. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction that the nurse should include when providing discharge instructions for a client with a Fentanyl transdermal patch is to avoid exposure to heat sources. Heat can increase the absorption of the medication, leading to a risk of overdose. Choice A is incorrect because the patch should be applied to a clean, non-hairy area. Choice B is incorrect as the Fentanyl patch is usually changed every 72 hours, not every 24 hours. Choice D is incorrect as the patch should never be cut to adjust the dosage.

Question 9 of 9

When teaching a client with a prescription for long-term use of oral prednisone for chronic asthma, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects of this medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is weight gain. Weight gain and fluid retention are common adverse effects of oral prednisone due to sodium and water retention. Patients on long-term prednisone therapy should be advised to monitor their weight closely and report any significant changes to their healthcare provider. Choice B, 'Nervousness,' is not typically associated with oral prednisone use. Choice C, 'Bradycardia,' refers to a slow heart rate, which is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. Choice D, 'Constipation,' is not a typical adverse effect of oral prednisone; instead, gastrointestinal disturbances like increased appetite or even peptic ulcer disease may occur.

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