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

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Sore throat. When a client is starting therapy with topotecan, a topoisomerase inhibitor commonly used in chemotherapy, it is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs of infection promptly. Topotecan can suppress the bone marrow, leading to decreased production of white blood cells, increasing the risk of infection. Therefore, a sore throat could be indicative of an infection that needs immediate attention to prevent complications. Option A) Hair loss is a common side effect of many chemotherapy drugs, including topotecan, but it is not typically a sign of an urgent or serious issue that requires immediate reporting. Option B) Fatigue is also a common side effect of chemotherapy but is not specific to topotecan. While it is important for the nurse to address fatigue, it is not the most critical finding to report immediately in this case. Option D) Red urine is a known side effect of topotecan due to its excretion pathway, but it is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless accompanied by other symptoms like pain or difficulty urinating. In an educational context, understanding the side effects and potential complications of chemotherapy drugs like topotecan is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to clients undergoing cancer treatment. Teaching clients to recognize and report early signs of infection is vital in preventing serious complications and ensuring timely intervention.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to avoid foods high in vitamin K. Vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of Warfarin by counteracting its anticoagulant effects. Foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy green vegetables, should be limited in the diet of individuals taking Warfarin to maintain a consistent level of the medication's effectiveness.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Hyponatremia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic commonly prescribed to help with fluid retention by increasing urine output. One of the main mechanisms of action of loop diuretics like Furosemide is to inhibit sodium reabsorption in the loop of Henle. This leads to increased sodium excretion in the urine, which can result in hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood. Option A) Hyperkalemia is incorrect because loop diuretics like Furosemide can actually lead to hypokalemia (low potassium levels) due to increased potassium excretion in the urine. Option C) Hypernatremia is incorrect because Furosemide's mechanism of action leads to the loss of sodium, making hypernatremia (high sodium levels) unlikely. Option D) Hypercalcemia is incorrect because Furosemide does not directly affect calcium levels in the body, so hypercalcemia (high calcium levels) is not a common adverse effect associated with its use. In an educational context, it is important for nurses to understand the pharmacological actions and potential side effects of medications like Furosemide to provide safe and effective patient care. Monitoring for adverse effects such as hyponatremia is crucial to prevent complications and ensure the client's well-being while on this medication. Nurses should be vigilant in assessing electrolyte levels and educating clients on signs and symptoms to watch for while taking Furosemide.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Asthma. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can cause bronchoconstriction due to its effects on beta-2 receptors in the lungs. For patients with asthma, this can exacerbate their condition and lead to potentially life-threatening bronchospasms. Option B) Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication for Propranolol. In fact, beta-blockers can be beneficial for patients with diabetes as they can help with managing symptoms such as tachycardia and tremors associated with hypoglycemia. Option C) Hypertension is actually an indication for Propranolol. It is commonly used to treat hypertension by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. Option D) Glaucoma can be worsened by Propranolol due to its potential to reduce aqueous humor production, which can increase intraocular pressure. However, it is not a contraindication unless the client has a specific type of glaucoma called narrow-angle glaucoma. Understanding contraindications is crucial in pharmacology to ensure safe and effective medication administration. It is important for healthcare providers to be aware of such contraindications to prevent adverse reactions and provide optimal care for their patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding potential adverse effects of medications is crucial for safe patient care. In the case of Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, the correct adverse effect to monitor is hyperkalemia (option A). Spironolactone works by blocking the aldosterone receptor, leading to decreased sodium reabsorption and potassium retention. This mechanism can result in elevated potassium levels, which can be dangerous and lead to cardiac arrhythmias. Hypoglycemia (option B) is not a common adverse effect of Spironolactone. Hypocalcemia (option C) and hyponatremia (option D) are also not typically associated with Spironolactone use. Educationally, understanding the pharmacological actions of medications helps nurses assess for potential adverse effects, intervene promptly, and provide patient education. Monitoring for hyperkalemia in clients taking Spironolactone is essential to prevent complications and ensure patient safety. Nurses should be vigilant in assessing electrolyte levels and educating clients on signs and symptoms of hyperkalemia.