A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for Spironolactone. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse instruct the client to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the action of aldosterone in the distal tubules of the kidney, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water while retaining potassium. Therefore, one of the most significant adverse effects of Spironolactone is hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Option B) Hypoglycemia is incorrect because Spironolactone does not typically affect blood glucose levels. Option C) Hypocalcemia is incorrect as Spironolactone does not directly impact calcium levels. Option D) Hyponatremia is also incorrect because Spironolactone's mechanism of action does not lead to decreased sodium levels. Educationally, understanding the adverse effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. By teaching clients about the potential side effects of their medications, nurses empower them to recognize and report any concerning symptoms promptly, promoting medication adherence and patient safety. Regular monitoring and education on adverse effects are essential components of pharmacological management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction to include when a client is prescribed Furosemide is to change positions slowly. Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness and increasing the risk of falls. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent these potential adverse effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this scenario, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for bradycardia when taking Atenolol, which is a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate. By monitoring for bradycardia, the client can catch this potential adverse effect early and seek medical attention if necessary. Regarding the other options: A) Tachycardia: Atenolol is actually used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate, so this would not be an expected adverse effect. B) Hypoglycemia: While beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, they do not typically cause hypoglycemia directly. Monitoring blood glucose levels would be important for clients with diabetes but not necessarily a primary concern with Atenolol. D) Hypertension: Atenolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, so developing hypertension would not be an expected adverse effect of this medication. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacological actions of medications and their potential side effects. It emphasizes the need for nurses to educate clients on how to monitor for and recognize adverse effects to promote safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial for nurses to understand the potential adverse effects of medications to ensure patient safety. In the case of Lisinopril, a common adverse effect to monitor for is a dry cough. This occurs due to the medication's effect on bradykinin levels, leading to irritation in the respiratory tract. Option A, dry cough, is the correct answer because it is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril. Monitoring for this adverse effect is important as it can be bothersome for the patient and may lead to non-adherence to the medication regimen. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, diarrhea, and nausea are not typically associated with Lisinopril. Weight gain is not a common side effect of this medication, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and nausea are less common compared to the dry cough. In an educational context, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications helps nurses provide comprehensive care to their patients. By knowing which side effects to monitor for, nurses can promptly identify and address any issues that may arise, ensuring patient safety and medication effectiveness.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The prescription provided includes the medication name, dosage, and route of administration. However, it lacks information about the frequency or timing of the medication administration. In this case, it is crucial to clarify the frequency with the provider to ensure the safe and effective use of the medication for the client with Hyperemesis Gravidarum.