A client has been prescribed cyclosporine (Sandimmune). Which food item should the client avoid based on the medication's interaction?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Cyclosporine is a medication commonly used to prevent organ rejection in transplant patients by suppressing the immune system. The correct answer is C) Grapefruit juice because grapefruit and its juice contain compounds that inhibit the enzyme responsible for metabolizing cyclosporine in the liver. This interaction can lead to increased levels of cyclosporine in the blood, potentially causing toxicity. Option A) Red meats, option B) Orange juice, and option D) Green, leafy vegetables do not have significant interactions with cyclosporine. It is essential for healthcare providers to educate patients about potential drug-food interactions to ensure the medication's efficacy and prevent adverse effects. In pharmacology, understanding drug interactions, including those with food, is crucial for safe and effective patient care. By knowing which foods to avoid while taking specific medications, healthcare providers can help patients optimize their treatment outcomes and minimize potential risks.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Carbamazepine (Tegretol) is an antiepileptic drug commonly prescribed for seizures, including psychomotor seizures. The correct answer, option B) Liver disease, is contraindicated because carbamazepine is metabolized in the liver, and liver dysfunction can lead to drug toxicity due to impaired clearance. This can result in serious adverse effects, making it unsafe for individuals with liver disease to take this medication. Option A) Headaches is incorrect because carbamazepine can actually be used to treat certain types of headaches, such as trigeminal neuralgia. Option C) Hypothyroidism is incorrect as it is not a contraindication for carbamazepine use. However, carbamazepine can affect thyroid function tests and may require monitoring in individuals with thyroid conditions. Option D) Diabetes mellitus is also incorrect as it is not a contraindication for carbamazepine use. However, individuals with diabetes should be monitored closely as carbamazepine can interact with some diabetes medications. In an educational context, understanding contraindications for medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about why certain conditions make specific medications unsafe to administer in order to prevent harm to patients. This knowledge also helps in identifying potential drug interactions and adverse effects, ensuring patient safety and optimal outcomes.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Alendronate (Fosamax) should be taken with a full glass of water after rising in the morning to prevent gastrointestinal side effects and increase absorption. Taking the medication with a full glass of water and in an upright position after waking up helps decrease the risk of esophageal irritation and enhances the drug's effectiveness by ensuring proper absorption in the gastrointestinal tract.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Check the client's blood pressure before administering Atenolol hydrochloride (Tenormin). Atenolol is a beta-blocker medication commonly used to treat hypertension and other cardiovascular conditions. It works by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, thereby reducing heart rate and blood pressure. It is crucial to assess the client's blood pressure before administering Atenolol because beta-blockers can cause a significant drop in blood pressure, which may lead to adverse effects such as dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. Listening to the client's lung sounds (Option A) is important for assessing respiratory status but is not directly related to the administration of Atenolol. Checking recent electrolyte levels (Option C) is important for some medications, but it is not a priority action before administering Atenolol. Assessing the client for muscle weakness (Option D) is not directly relevant to the administration of Atenolol. This question provides a valuable educational context by highlighting the importance of assessing specific parameters before administering medications that can significantly impact a client's vital signs. It reinforces the principle of ensuring patient safety by conducting appropriate assessments and taking necessary precautions to prevent potential adverse reactions. Understanding the rationale behind the priority action emphasizes the critical thinking skills required in pharmacological nursing practice.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In portosystemic encephalopathy, the liver's ability to detoxify ammonia is impaired, leading to elevated blood ammonia levels, which can cause neurological symptoms such as encephalopathy. Lactulose is given to reduce ammonia levels by promoting its excretion through the bowel. Therefore, assessing the blood ammonia level is crucial to determine the effectiveness of lactulose therapy in managing portosystemic encephalopathy.