A client who has begun taking fosinopril (Monopril) is very distressed, telling the nurse that he cannot taste food normally since beginning the medication 2 weeks ago. The nurse provides the best support to the client by:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is to inform the client that impaired taste is an expected side effect of ACE inhibitors like fosinopril, such as Monopril, and typically resolves within 2 to 3 months. It is essential for the nurse to offer reassurance and education to the client about this common side effect to alleviate distress and encourage compliance with the medication regimen.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Following chemotherapy for leukemias and lymphomas, hyperuricemia is common due to the massive cell kill. Chemotherapy leads to the rapid destruction of cancer cells, releasing large amounts of nucleic acids, which are broken down into uric acid. Monitoring and managing uric acid levels are crucial to prevent complications such as renal damage and gout.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pharmacology, the timing of medication administration is crucial for optimal therapeutic effects. In the case of levothyroxine (Synthroid), the correct option is C) On an empty stomach. Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement used to treat hypothyroidism. Taking it on an empty stomach, preferably 30 minutes to 1 hour before breakfast, ensures maximum absorption as food can interfere with its absorption. Option A) With food is incorrect because food can decrease the absorption of levothyroxine, leading to reduced effectiveness. Option B) At lunchtime is also incorrect as it does not specify taking it on an empty stomach. Option D) At bedtime with a snack is incorrect as taking it with food, especially at night, can impair absorption. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the timing of medication administration is vital for nursing practice. It ensures that medications are given in a way that maximizes their therapeutic benefits, promoting patient safety and positive outcomes. Nurses must be knowledgeable about how different medications interact with food and timing to provide effective care to their patients.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct time for a client to take a daily dose of prednisone is early morning. Corticosteroids like prednisone should be taken in the morning to mimic the body's natural hormone release pattern. This timing helps reduce the risk of disrupting the body's internal clock and minimizes the potential for insomnia or other sleep disturbances.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) At bedtime. Ranitidine is a histamine-2 blocker commonly prescribed for conditions like gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and peptic ulcers. The optimal time for administering ranitidine is at bedtime because it helps in reducing nocturnal acid secretion and provides the best acid suppression during the night when gastric acid production is at its peak. Option B) After lunch is incorrect because the timing does not coincide with the physiological need for acid suppression, which is more crucial during the night. Option C) With supper is incorrect as well because taking ranitidine with supper may not provide adequate acid suppression during the night when it is most needed. Option D) Before breakfast is also incorrect as it does not align with the goal of reducing nocturnal acid secretion, which is the primary purpose of prescribing ranitidine. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the timing of medication administration is crucial for providing optimal patient care. It is essential for nurses to comprehend the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of medications to ensure their therapeutic effectiveness. By grasping the appropriate timing of administration for drugs like ranitidine, nurses can contribute to improved patient outcomes and medication efficacy.