A client has been prescribed Atorvastatin to lower cholesterol. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Report any muscle pain to your provider immediately. This instruction is crucial because Atorvastatin, a statin medication, can sometimes cause a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, which presents as severe muscle pain and can lead to muscle breakdown and kidney damage. Prompt reporting of muscle pain can help prevent serious complications. Option A) Take this medication with a full glass of water is a general instruction for many medications but is not specifically relevant to Atorvastatin. Option C) Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication is important for some medications but not specifically for Atorvastatin. Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of certain drugs, but Atorvastatin is not one of them. Option D) Take this medication at bedtime to prevent drowsiness is not a relevant instruction for Atorvastatin. Atorvastatin can be taken at any time of day, and drowsiness is not a common side effect associated with this medication. Educationally, it is essential for nurses and healthcare providers to be aware of the specific instructions and potential side effects of medications to ensure safe and effective patient care. Teaching patients about their medications empowers them to take an active role in their own health and promotes medication adherence and safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Loop diuretics. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, can lead to hypokalemia, which in turn increases the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin toxicity is potentiated by low potassium levels, as potassium competes with Digoxin at the cellular level. When potassium is low, Digoxin can bind more tightly to its target receptors, leading to toxicity. Spironolactone (option A) is a potassium-sparing diuretic and can actually help prevent hypokalemia, reducing the risk of Digoxin toxicity. Calcium channel blockers (option B) and ACE inhibitors (option D) do not directly interact with Digoxin in a way that increases the risk of toxicity. In an educational context, understanding the potential drug interactions and adverse effects of medications is crucial for healthcare professionals to ensure safe and effective patient care. This knowledge helps in assessing the risks and benefits of drug therapy, making informed clinical decisions, and providing appropriate patient education to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Monitoring the client's blood glucose level is essential when taking Glipizide, as it is a medication used to lower blood glucose levels in individuals with Diabetes Mellitus. By monitoring the blood glucose level, the nurse can assess the effectiveness of the medication in managing the client's condition.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a client undergoes radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, they can emit radiation for a short time. To prevent radiation exposure to others, especially pregnant women, infants, and small children, clients should avoid close contact for about 1 week following therapy. This precaution is essential to protect vulnerable individuals from potential harm.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Furosemide, a loop diuretic commonly used in heart failure, can cause hypokalemia (low potassium levels) as a side effect. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial to detect and prevent complications associated with low potassium levels, such as cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should prioritize assessing the client's serum potassium levels regularly while on Furosemide.