A healthcare professional is preparing to administer Spironolactone to a client. Which of the following laboratory results should the professional review before administering this medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the relationship between medications and laboratory values to ensure safe and effective patient care. When administering Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, monitoring serum potassium levels is essential due to its mechanism of action, which can lead to hyperkalemia. Therefore, reviewing serum potassium levels before administering Spironolactone is critical to prevent adverse effects such as cardiac arrhythmias. The other laboratory values listed - serum sodium, serum chloride, and serum calcium - are not specifically affected by Spironolactone in the same way as serum potassium. While electrolyte imbalances can occur with diuretic use, Spironolactone's primary concern is hyperkalemia due to its potassium-sparing effects. Educationally, understanding the importance of monitoring specific laboratory values with certain medications enhances students' comprehension of pharmacology principles, drug actions, and potential adverse effects. Emphasizing the significance of individualized patient assessments based on medication classes can help nursing students and healthcare professionals make informed clinical decisions and provide safe patient care.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Avoid smoking while taking this medication. Ranitidine is a medication that works by decreasing stomach acid production, making it effective in treating peptic ulcer disease. Smoking can worsen peptic ulcers by increasing stomach acid production and delaying healing. Therefore, instructing the client to avoid smoking while taking Ranitidine is crucial for the medication to work effectively and for the client to experience relief from their symptoms. Option A) Take the medication on an empty stomach is incorrect because Ranitidine can be taken with or without food, so there is no specific requirement to take it on an empty stomach. Option C) Increase intake of dairy products is incorrect because dairy products do not have a direct impact on the effectiveness of Ranitidine in treating peptic ulcer disease. Option D) Expect a yellow tinge to the skin is incorrect because this is not a common or expected side effect of Ranitidine. It is important for nurses to provide accurate and relevant instructions to clients regarding their medications to ensure optimal treatment outcomes. This question highlights the importance of understanding the rationale behind medication instructions to provide safe and effective care to clients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct statement the nurse should include is that the client may experience a headache while taking Ondansetron. Headache is a common side effect of this medication, and clients need to be informed about this potential adverse reaction to enhance their understanding and management of side effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the appropriate instructions for medication administration is crucial for ensuring patient safety and efficacy. For the question regarding a new prescription for Hydrochlorothiazide, the correct instruction to include is to "Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods" (Option B). The rationale behind this is that Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urination. Therefore, advising the client to consume more potassium-rich foods helps prevent hypokalemia, a potential side effect of the medication. Option A, "Take the medication in the morning," is not specifically related to Hydrochlorothiazide administration. Diuretics, in general, are often recommended to be taken in the morning to prevent nocturia, but this instruction is not specific to this medication. Option C, "Expect decreased urination within the first few days," is incorrect because Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that actually increases urine output, not decreases it. This option provides inaccurate information regarding the medication's expected effect. Option D, "Avoid foods high in potassium," is also incorrect as it contradicts the correct instruction. While some medications, like potassium-sparing diuretics, require patients to limit potassium intake, Hydrochlorothiazide necessitates an increase in potassium-rich foods to counteract potential electrolyte imbalances. In an educational context, it is essential for nurses to understand the pharmacological implications of medication instructions to provide safe and effective care to their patients. By comprehensively explaining the rationale behind each instruction, nurses can ensure optimal patient outcomes and medication adherence.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In teaching a client with a new prescription for Lithium, the nurse should include the instruction to maintain a consistent sodium intake (Option B). This is because Lithium can cause sodium depletion leading to Lithium toxicity. By maintaining a consistent sodium intake, the client can help regulate their Lithium levels effectively. Option A is incorrect because restricting fluid intake to 1,000 mL per day is not a recommended instruction for a client taking Lithium. Lithium can affect the body's water balance, but strict fluid restriction is not necessary unless advised by a healthcare provider. Option C, taking the medication at bedtime, is not a crucial instruction for Lithium. The timing of administration can vary based on the client's individual needs and tolerability. Option D, expecting to have frequent headaches, is incorrect as well. While headaches can be a side effect of Lithium, they are not necessarily a common or expected occurrence for everyone taking the medication. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind specific instructions for medications like Lithium is crucial for safe and effective client care. Nurses need to be able to explain the importance of sodium intake in relation to Lithium therapy to ensure optimal outcomes for their clients.