A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia is to receive finasteride (Proscar). The nurse understands that this drug works by

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is B) promoting shrinkage of an enlarged prostate gland. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that works by reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate enlargement. By inhibiting DHT production, finasteride helps shrink the enlarged prostate gland in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) patients, thereby improving urinary symptoms associated with this condition. Option A) relaxing smooth muscle in the penis is incorrect because finasteride does not directly affect smooth muscle in the penis. Option C) increasing testosterone is incorrect as finasteride actually decreases the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Option D) stimulating RNA synthesis is also incorrect as this is not the mechanism of action for finasteride. In an educational context, understanding the mechanism of action of medications like finasteride is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to patients with BPH. By grasping how finasteride works to reduce prostate size, nurses can educate patients on the rationale behind their medication regimen and anticipate potential therapeutic outcomes and side effects. This knowledge enhances overall patient care and medication management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) trade names. Trade names are also known as brand names, and Advil, Motrin, and Nuprin are all brand names for the generic drug ibuprofen. Trade names are given to drugs by the pharmaceutical company that manufactures them for marketing purposes. It is important for healthcare providers to be familiar with trade names as they are commonly used in clinical practice and patient education. Option A) chemical names refer to the specific chemical structure of a drug. Option B) combination names typically refer to drugs that contain multiple active ingredients. Option D) generic names, also known as non-proprietary names, are the official names given to drugs by regulatory bodies and are typically less recognizable to patients compared to trade names. Understanding the differences between trade names, generic names, and chemical names is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately prescribe and educate patients about medications. Additionally, being able to identify trade names helps healthcare professionals communicate effectively with other members of the healthcare team and with patients.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct response by the nurse, "To be sure you have the correct amount of medication in your system," is the best answer because regular blood tests are crucial when taking lithium (Eskalith) due to its narrow therapeutic range. Lithium can be toxic if levels are too high or ineffective if levels are too low. Monitoring the blood levels ensures that the patient is receiving the appropriate dosage for their condition, maximizing the medication's therapeutic benefits while minimizing potential side effects. Option A: "To detect side effects before they become a problem." While monitoring blood levels can indirectly help detect side effects by ensuring the medication is within the therapeutic range, the primary purpose of the frequent blood tests in this case is to monitor the drug levels themselves. Option B: "To be sure the medication is working properly." This option is not as specific to the unique monitoring needs of lithium. The primary concern with lithium is maintaining a specific blood concentration range, not just monitoring if the medication is working. Option C: "To determine if your body is responding as it should." While this could be a reason for monitoring in some cases, the specific need for lithium monitoring is to ensure the drug levels are within the therapeutic range due to its narrow margin of safety. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the need for frequent blood tests when taking lithium highlights the importance of medication adherence, safety, and the role of therapeutic drug monitoring in pharmacology. It emphasizes the critical role that nurses play in educating patients about their medications and the reasons for specific monitoring protocols to ensure optimal treatment outcomes and patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the concept of drug excretion is crucial for safe and effective medication administration. The correct answer to the question is C) Ionized drugs. Ionized drugs have a lower rate of crossing renal tubular membranes because they are charged molecules that cannot easily pass through the lipid-rich cell membranes. This leads to their excretion in the urine. Option A) Lipid-soluble drugs would be incorrect because they can easily cross cell membranes, including renal tubular membranes, and are therefore more likely to be reabsorbed rather than excreted in the urine. Option B) Volatile drugs are substances that easily vaporize at room temperature and are not directly related to the ability to cross renal tubular membranes for excretion. Option D) Non-ionized drugs may have a higher chance of crossing renal tubular membranes compared to ionized drugs due to their ability to pass through lipid-rich cell membranes, which could lead to reabsorption rather than excretion. Educationally, understanding the factors influencing drug excretion, such as the ionization state of drugs, is essential for healthcare professionals to predict and manage drug levels in the body. This knowledge helps in dosage adjustments, preventing drug toxicity, and ensuring therapeutic effectiveness based on the drug's pharmacokinetic properties.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: "You are at a maximum dose; taking more will not help." This response is the best because it directly addresses the patient's misconception about increasing the medication dosage leading to a faster cure. It educates the patient on the concept of maximum effective dosages and the fact that exceeding this limit will not provide additional benefits and may even lead to adverse effects. Option A is incorrect because it implies the decision to increase the medication dose rests solely with the doctor without providing the patient with a clear explanation. Option B is incorrect as it mentions potential interactions with other medications, which is not the primary reason for not increasing the dose in this scenario. Option C is also incorrect as it provides a specific time frame for increasing the medication dose without addressing the patient's misunderstanding about dosage efficacy. In an educational context, this question emphasizes the importance of patient education and communication in pharmacological treatment. Nurses play a vital role in ensuring that patients understand their treatment plans, including medication dosages, to promote adherence and prevent potential harm from incorrect assumptions about drug therapy. This scenario highlights the need for healthcare providers to effectively communicate with patients to address misconceptions and promote safe and effective medication use.