A client is starting therapy with docetaxel. Which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to report?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Dyspnea. Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medication that can cause serious side effects, including respiratory issues such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing). It is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs of respiratory distress promptly, as it could indicate a potentially life-threatening reaction to the medication. A) Flushing is a common side effect of many medications, including docetaxel, but it is usually not considered a serious or urgent issue that requires immediate reporting. C) Hyperglycemia is not a common or expected side effect of docetaxel. While monitoring blood glucose levels is important during treatment, it is not a typical symptom that would warrant immediate reporting. D) Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is also not a common side effect of docetaxel. While it is important to monitor for hearing changes during chemotherapy, tinnitus is not a prominent side effect associated with this medication. Educationally, understanding the potential side effects of chemotherapy medications like docetaxel is crucial for nurses to ensure patient safety and well-being. Teaching clients to recognize and report serious side effects promptly can help prevent complications and improve outcomes during cancer treatment.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to provide accurate instructions to clients starting new medications to ensure optimal outcomes. In the case of Metformin, it is important to take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Option A, "Take this medication with your first bite of food," is correct because it helps minimize these side effects and ensures better absorption of the drug. Option B, "Take this medication on an empty stomach," is incorrect because taking Metformin without food can lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects and may affect drug absorption. Option C, "Take this medication before bedtime," is also incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take Metformin at bedtime. Option D, "Take this medication every other day," is incorrect as Metformin is typically prescribed for daily use to maintain stable blood levels. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the timing of medication administration is essential for safe and effective practice. Providing clear instructions to clients promotes medication adherence and reduces the risk of adverse effects. It is important for healthcare providers to stay informed about drug administration guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to understand the monitoring parameters for medications to ensure patient safety and efficacy. In the case of Clopidogrel, which is an antiplatelet medication, the correct laboratory value to monitor is the platelet count. Clopidogrel works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, so monitoring platelet count helps assess its effectiveness and potential adverse effects like thrombocytopenia. White blood cell count (Option A) is not typically monitored specifically for Clopidogrel unless there are other indications for doing so, as it is not directly related to the medication's mechanism of action. Hemoglobin (Option C) and blood glucose (Option D) are also not directly influenced by Clopidogrel and are not the primary parameters to monitor for this medication. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific laboratory values for different medications is crucial for nursing practice. It ensures that nurses can interpret and act on laboratory results effectively, optimizing patient care and safety. By knowing the correct parameters to monitor for Clopidogrel, nurses can provide comprehensive care and promptly identify any potential adverse effects.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct instruction is to apply the Nitroglycerin transdermal patch to a hairless area of skin. This ensures proper absorption of the medication. It is important to rotate the application site daily to prevent skin irritation and tolerance development. Applying the patch to the same site each day can lead to decreased efficacy and potential skin reactions. Removing the patch at night is not necessary as the patches are usually worn continuously to provide constant medication delivery. Covering the patch with a heating pad can increase the absorption of the medication and lead to an overdose, which is not recommended.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker that can cause bradycardia as an adverse effect due to its negative chronotropic properties, slowing down the heart rate. Therefore, the nurse should monitor the client for signs of bradycardia by regularly assessing the heart rate to prevent potential complications.