A healthcare professional is educating a client who is starting therapy with topotecan. Which of the following findings should the professional instruct the client to report?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Sore throat.' Clients starting therapy with topotecan should be instructed to report a sore throat because it can indicate an infection due to the immunosuppressive effects of the medication. Infections can be serious in clients undergoing chemotherapy, so early detection and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B) Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Warfarin is an anticoagulant medication that works by inhibiting vitamin K-dependent clotting factors in the liver. Vitamin K is essential for the production of clotting factors, so consuming high amounts of vitamin K-rich foods can counteract the effects of Warfarin and increase the risk of clot formation. Option A) Increase your intake of leafy green vegetables is incorrect because leafy greens are high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the action of Warfarin. Option C) Increase your intake of dairy products is incorrect as dairy products do not have a significant impact on Warfarin therapy. It is the vitamin K content in foods that is relevant to Warfarin use. Option D) Avoid foods high in iron is also incorrect as iron content in foods does not directly interact with Warfarin therapy. Educationally, understanding the impact of diet on drug therapy is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. By knowing which foods to avoid or limit when taking specific medications like Warfarin, nurses can help prevent adverse effects and ensure the therapeutic effectiveness of the medication. This knowledge also underscores the importance of individualized patient education to promote medication adherence and optimal treatment outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Hyponatremia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that works by inhibiting sodium and water reabsorption in the nephron. This leads to increased excretion of sodium and water, resulting in diuresis. As a result, the client is at risk for developing hyponatremia, a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood due to excessive loss through urine. Option A) Hyperkalemia is incorrect because Furosemide actually increases the excretion of potassium, leading to the risk of hypokalemia instead. Option C) Hypernatremia is incorrect as Furosemide causes sodium excretion, which would not result in elevated sodium levels. Option D) Hypercalcemia is unrelated to Furosemide use and is not a common adverse effect of this medication. Educationally, it is vital for nurses to understand the pharmacological effects of medications to anticipate and monitor for potential adverse reactions. By knowing the mechanism of action of Furosemide, nurses can provide safe and effective care by recognizing and managing potential complications like hyponatremia. This knowledge ensures patient safety and promotes optimal outcomes in medication management.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, the correct answer to the question regarding a contraindication to Propranolol being asthma is rooted in the mechanism of action of this medication. Propranolol is a non-selective beta-blocker that can lead to bronchoconstriction in individuals with asthma due to its effect on beta-2 receptors in the lungs, potentially worsening respiratory symptoms and causing an exacerbation of asthma. Regarding the other options: - Diabetes mellitus is not a contraindication to Propranolol. In fact, Propranolol can be used in diabetic patients as it may help in managing symptoms such as tremors associated with hypoglycemia. - Hypertension is actually an indication for Propranolol as it is commonly prescribed to manage high blood pressure by reducing heart rate and blood pressure. - Glaucoma is not a contraindication to Propranolol use, as it can be beneficial in certain types of glaucoma due to its ability to reduce intraocular pressure. Understanding contraindications and indications of medications is crucial in pharmacology to ensure safe and effective treatment. Students and healthcare professionals must grasp these concepts to make informed decisions when prescribing or administering medications to patients, considering their individual health conditions and medication profiles.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to an increase in potassium levels. Hyperkalemia can be dangerous, causing muscle weakness and cardiac dysrhythmias, making it essential for the nurse to monitor potassium levels closely when a client is on Spironolactone.