A client with cancer and a prescription for methotrexate PO reports bleeding gums while being assessed by a nurse in a provider's clinic. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when a client on methotrexate reports bleeding gums is to check the client's current platelet count. Bleeding gums may indicate thrombocytopenia, a decreased platelet count which can be a severe side effect of methotrexate therapy. Monitoring the platelet count is crucial for early detection and management of this potentially life-threatening complication. Choice A is incorrect as bleeding gums in this context may not be an expected adverse effect of methotrexate. Choice C is irrelevant and does not address the potential underlying issue of thrombocytopenia. Choice D is not the primary action needed at this point; checking the platelet count is more urgent to assess the severity of the situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting enalapril is to avoid salt substitutes. Salt substitutes may contain potassium, which could lead to elevated potassium levels when combined with enalapril, increasing the risk of hyperkalemia. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because there is no specific need to take enalapril with food, rise slowly from a sitting position, or avoid exposure to sunlight when taking this medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Increased energy levels are a key indicator of the effectiveness of levothyroxine in treating hypothyroidism. Levothyroxine works to regulate thyroid hormone levels, which can lead to improved energy levels as the body's metabolism is restored. While the other options may also improve with treatment, increased energy levels directly reflect the correction of the thyroid hormone imbalance. Decreased heart rate can be an indicator of overmedication, weight loss can be attributed to increased metabolism but may not directly reflect the effectiveness of levothyroxine, and improved mental clarity is a more general cognitive improvement that may not directly relate to thyroid function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Clients prescribed verapamil should be advised to avoid grapefruit juice as it can potentiate the drug's effects, leading to adverse reactions. Grapefruit juice can inhibit the metabolism of verapamil, resulting in higher blood levels of the medication and an increased risk of side effects. Instructions such as taking the medication with a full glass of water (Choice A) are not specific to verapamil and are generally recommended. While monitoring blood pressure regularly (Choice C) is important for clients on antihypertensive medications, it is not a direct concern related to verapamil. Monitoring heart rate daily (Choice D) is not a primary consideration when starting verapamil, as it is more commonly used for its effects on blood pressure and arrhythmias rather than heart rate.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client starting metoprolol is to avoid sudden changes in position. Metoprolol can cause dizziness due to its blood pressure-lowering effects, increasing the risk of falls and injury. Instructing the client to change positions slowly helps prevent orthostatic hypotension and related adverse events. Checking the pulse before taking the medication (Choice A) is not typically necessary for metoprolol. Taking the medication with food (Choice B) is not required for absorption and can be taken with or without food. Monitoring blood pressure regularly (Choice D) is essential for clients taking metoprolol, but avoiding sudden changes in position is more critical to prevent dizziness and falls.