A client is starting a new prescription for furosemide. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When a client is prescribed furosemide, it is important to monitor for fluid loss. Weighing oneself daily helps track changes in weight due to fluid loss, which can indicate the effectiveness of the medication. This monitoring assists in managing fluid balance and adjusting the dosage if necessary to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, monitoring laboratory values is crucial to ensure the effectiveness and safety of medications. When a client is receiving vancomycin, monitoring creatinine levels is essential to evaluate the therapeutic effect of the medication. Creatinine levels reflect kidney function, and vancomycin is primarily excreted through the kidneys. Elevated creatinine levels may indicate potential kidney damage or impaired drug clearance, necessitating dose adjustments to prevent toxicity. The other options, BUN, hemoglobin, and white blood cell count, are not directly related to monitoring the therapeutic effect of vancomycin. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) primarily reflects kidney function but is not as specific as creatinine for monitoring vancomycin therapy. Hemoglobin levels are more relevant for assessing anemia or oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, while white blood cell count is indicative of the body's immune response and not specific to vancomycin therapy. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific laboratory values for different medications enhances a nurse's ability to provide safe and effective care to clients. It reinforces the importance of pharmacological knowledge in clinical practice and promotes critical thinking skills to make informed decisions regarding medication management based on individual client needs.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Leucovorin, a folic acid derivative and an antagonist to Methotrexate, is given within 12 hours of high doses of Methotrexate to protect healthy cells from the toxic effects of Methotrexate. It helps to reduce the bone marrow suppression and gastrointestinal side effects caused by Methotrexate, supporting the client's overall well-being during chemotherapy treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Diarrhea. Cefotaxime is a cephalosporin antibiotic that can cause serious adverse reactions, such as Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea (CDAD) which can lead to life-threatening complications like pseudomembranous colitis. It is crucial for the nurse to report this adverse reaction promptly to prevent further complications and ensure timely treatment. Option A) Diaphoresis is a non-specific symptom that is not typically associated with a serious adverse reaction to cefotaxime. Option B) Epistaxis, although concerning, is not a common adverse reaction to this medication and does not indicate a potentially serious reaction. Option D) Alopecia, which refers to hair loss, is also not a typical adverse reaction to cefotaxime and is not indicative of a serious complication. Understanding the potential adverse reactions of medications is essential in nursing practice to ensure patient safety and provide timely interventions. Nurses need to be able to recognize and differentiate between common side effects and serious adverse reactions to medications to provide effective care and advocate for their patients' well-being.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Extremity paresthesias. Streptomycin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic known to have ototoxic and neurotoxic side effects. Paresthesias, or abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness in the extremities, are common neurotoxic effects of Streptomycin. Monitoring for these symptoms is crucial to prevent further complications. Option B) Urinary retention is not a common adverse effect of Streptomycin. This symptom is more commonly associated with medications affecting the genitourinary system. Option C) Severe constipation is not a typical adverse effect of Streptomycin. Gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea are more commonly seen with this medication. Option D) Complex partial seizures are not a known adverse effect of Streptomycin. Seizures are not typically associated with aminoglycoside antibiotics like Streptomycin. Educationally, understanding the side effects of antibiotics like Streptomycin is vital for nurses to provide safe and effective care. Monitoring for adverse effects ensures early detection and intervention, contributing to positive patient outcomes. Nurses need to be knowledgeable about drug side effects to prevent complications and provide holistic patient care.