A client takes calcium three times a day in the form of supplements. The nurse will advise the client to take the drug

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) with food. Calcium supplements are advised to be taken with food for optimal absorption. Calcium ions require an acidic environment for better absorption, which is provided when taken with food. Taking calcium supplements on an empty stomach can lead to gastrointestinal upset and reduced absorption. Tea or coffee contains compounds that can interfere with calcium absorption, so it is not ideal to take calcium with them. Similarly, zinc supplements can also interfere with the absorption of calcium, so they should not be taken together. From an educational perspective, understanding the importance of when and how to take medications is crucial for nurses and healthcare professionals. Proper administration can impact the effectiveness of the drug and prevent potential complications. In the case of calcium supplements, advising clients to take them with food can enhance their absorption and ensure they receive the maximum benefit from the medication. This knowledge helps promote safe and effective medication practices in clinical settings.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Positive amphetamine screen with cough/cold medicine use suggests a false positive from ephedrine . Ephedrine, in decongestants, cross-reacts with amphetamine assays. Codeine and marijuana don't. Lying or sample mix-up (E) are less likely given his denial and context. This common false positive explains the discrepancy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Phenytoin and carbamazepine are antiepileptic drugs with a shared mechanism: they stabilize neuronal membranes by preventing sodium influx through fast sodium channels, reducing excitability and controlling seizures, particularly in partial and tonic-clonic types. Both induce hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, accelerating metabolism of other drugs, not inhibiting it. Phenytoin exhibits zero-order elimination at high doses due to enzyme saturation, while carbamazepine follows first-order kinetics, so this isn't a shared trait. They reduce the efficacy of oral contraceptives by inducing their metabolism, not enhancing them. Safety in pregnancy is questionable, with both linked to teratogenicity (e.g., fetal hydantoin syndrome). The sodium channel blockade is the fundamental property uniting their therapeutic effects, making it the key characteristic they share, critical to their role in epilepsy management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Cefotaxime is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic commonly used to treat bacterial infections post-surgery. One of its most significant and frequent adverse effects is disruption of the gastrointestinal flora, which can lead to diarrhea, including potentially severe conditions like Clostridioides difficile-associated diarrhea. This makes monitoring for diarrhea a critical nursing action, as it can indicate a serious complication requiring immediate intervention. While headache, constipation, and tachycardia can occur with various medications, they are less commonly associated with cefotaxime compared to diarrhea. Headache might suggest a neurological issue or dehydration, constipation could relate to immobility post-surgery rather than the drug itself, and tachycardia might indicate an allergic reaction or systemic issue, but these are not the primary concerns with this antibiotic. Diarrhea, however, directly correlates with cefotaxime's impact on gut microbiota, making it the priority observation for adverse effects in this scenario, thus supporting choice A as the correct answer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In this pharmacology practice exam question regarding dextromethorphan (Delsym), the correct answer is option D - "If you notice your speech is slurred, stop taking the medicine and call the clinic." This information is crucial because dextromethorphan can cause adverse effects such as slurred speech, which may indicate a serious reaction requiring prompt medical attention. Option A, "Do not smoke while using this drug," is not directly related to the medication's action or potential side effects. While smoking cessation may be beneficial for overall health, it is not a specific instruction for dextromethorphan use. Option B, "Do not drink alcohol while using this drug," is a common precaution with many medications, but it is not the most critical information to provide regarding dextromethorphan. The risk of alcohol interaction is not as immediate or severe as the potential side effect of slurred speech. Option C, "This drug takes an hour or so to take effect," is not as important as recognizing and responding to potential adverse effects. While knowing the onset of action is useful, it is not as critical as understanding how to monitor for and respond to side effects that may necessitate immediate medical attention. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of medication education for patients. Nurses must ensure patients understand not only how to take their medications but also how to recognize and respond to potential side effects. Providing clear, concise, and prioritized medication information can help enhance patient safety and medication adherence.