A male patient with blood type AB, Rh factor positive needs a blood transfusion. The Transfusion Service (blood bank) sends type O, Rh factor negative blood to the unit for the nurse to infuse into this patient. The nurse knows that:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the blood type of the donor (type O, Rh-negative) is not compatible with the blood type of the patient (type AB, Rh-positive). Blood type AB individuals can receive blood from all blood types (universal recipient), but they can only donate to individuals with the same blood type. Therefore, if a patient with blood type AB receives a transfusion of type O blood, it will lead to a major incompatibility reaction, possibly resulting in serious complications such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), renal failure, and even death. It is crucial for the nurse to verify the blood type of the patient and ensure that the correct blood type is provided to prevent such adverse reactions.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Valproate is a medication commonly used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches. It acts by suppressing seizure activity and stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Valproate is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant drug that can be an effective treatment for epilepsy and migraine prophylaxis. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thus reducing the frequency and severity of seizures and migraine attacks. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, and atropine is a medication with various uses, including dilating the pupils and reducing secretions during surgery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Drug tolerance occurs when a person needs more of a drug to achieve the same effect they initially experienced with a lower dose. In this scenario, the client mentioning that they do not get the same relief with the pain medication suggests that their body has built up a tolerance to the medication. This is different from drug addiction, which involves a psychological and physical reliance on a drug, and physical dependence, which is the body's adaptation to a drug leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. Psychological dependence involves a perceived need for a drug due to psychological reasons rather than physical necessity. In this case, the client's statement points to drug tolerance as the likely reason for experiencing decreased effectiveness of the pain medication.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The half-life is the time required for the concentration of a drug in the blood to decrease by 50%. It serves as an indication of the time required for a dosing regimen to achieve a steady state concentration of the drug in the blood. Understanding the half-life of a drug is crucial for determining the dosing interval needed to maintain therapeutic levels. Long half-lives require less frequent dosing to reach steady state, while short half-lives demand more frequent dosing to achieve the desired drug concentration in the blood over time.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Naloxone is a medication used to treat opioid overdose by rapidly reversing the effects of opioids on the central nervous system. It works by binding to the same receptors in the brain that opioids target, effectively displacing the opioids and reversing their effects. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing in individuals who have overdosed on opioids, potentially saving their lives. It is commonly administered in emergency situations, such as in hospitals, ambulances, and by first responders. Naloxone is an essential tool in treating opioid overdose and is considered a life-saving medication in such cases.