A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for a long-term use of oral prednisone for chronic asthma. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology education, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications is crucial for nurses to provide safe and effective care to their patients. In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Weight Gain. Oral prednisone, a corticosteroid commonly used in chronic asthma, can lead to weight gain as an adverse effect due to its impact on metabolism and fluid retention. Corticosteroids like prednisone can cause redistribution of fat, increased appetite, and fluid retention, all contributing to weight gain. Option B) Nervousness is incorrect because corticosteroids like prednisone typically cause mood changes like irritability or anxiety rather than nervousness. Option C) Bradycardia is incorrect as prednisone is not known to slow heart rate but can actually increase heart rate as a side effect. Option D) Constipation is also incorrect as prednisone is more likely to cause gastrointestinal disturbances like increased appetite, weight gain, or even abdominal discomfort. Educationally, this question reinforces the importance of recognizing common adverse effects of medications, promoting patient education on monitoring for these effects, and guiding nursing interventions to manage them effectively. Nurses play a vital role in patient education and monitoring for medication side effects to ensure optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Albuterol is a beta2-adrenergic agonist bronchodilator commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. A common side effect of Albuterol is paradoxical bronchospasm (Option A). This occurs when instead of dilating the airways, the medication causes them to constrict, leading to breathing difficulties. Option B, diarrhea, is not a common side effect of Albuterol. Option C, seizures, is not associated with the use of Albuterol unless in cases of overdose. Option D, vision loss, is not a known side effect of Albuterol either. In an educational context, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. It is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of common side effects to monitor and manage patients appropriately. In the case of Albuterol, recognizing the potential for paradoxical bronchospasm is essential for timely intervention and preventing further respiratory distress.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pharmacology, understanding the expected outcomes of specific drug therapies is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In the case of Valproate, the expected outcome is to decrease seizure activity. Valproate is an antiepileptic medication commonly used to treat various types of seizures, including generalized seizures and focal seizures. It works by increasing the levels of a neurotransmitter called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, which helps to suppress abnormal electrical activity and reduce the occurrence of seizures. Option A, decreased fever, is incorrect because Valproate is not indicated for reducing fever. Fever is typically treated with antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Option B, decreased sense of anxiety, is incorrect because Valproate is not primarily used to treat anxiety. It is mainly indicated for seizure disorders and certain mood disorders like bipolar disorder. Option C, decreased blood pressure, is also incorrect as Valproate does not have a significant effect on blood pressure. Blood pressure regulation is usually managed with antihypertensive medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers. Educationally, it is important for pharmacology students to understand the specific indications and expected outcomes of medications to make informed clinical decisions. Knowing the therapeutic effects of Valproate, such as decreasing seizure activity, helps healthcare providers monitor the drug's effectiveness and assess patient responses accurately. This knowledge is critical for providing quality patient care and preventing medication errors.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When administering lithium, it is crucial to watch for the side effect of angioedema. Angioedema is a potential adverse reaction associated with lithium therapy, characterized by rapid swelling beneath the skin, often around the eyes and lips. Monitoring for this side effect is essential to promptly address and manage any signs of angioedema that may occur during lithium treatment.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hydrochlorothiazide is classified as a diuretic because it acts on the kidneys to increase the excretion of water and sodium from the body. This medication belongs to the thiazide diuretic class, which works by inhibiting the reabsorption of sodium and chloride in the distal convoluted tubule of the nephron. By promoting the excretion of water and electrolytes, hydrochlorothiazide helps to reduce blood volume and lower blood pressure, making it a commonly prescribed medication for hypertension and edema. Option A, anti-inflammatory, is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide does not possess anti-inflammatory properties. It does not target inflammatory processes in the body. Option B, antiarrhythmic, is incorrect as well because hydrochlorothiazide does not directly affect heart rhythm. Its primary mechanism of action is related to fluid and electrolyte balance rather than cardiac electrophysiology. Option D, antifungal, is also incorrect as hydrochlorothiazide is not used to treat fungal infections. This medication is specific to its diuretic action and does not have any antifungal properties. Understanding the classification of hydrochlorothiazide as a diuretic is essential for pharmacology students and healthcare professionals to grasp its mechanism of action, indications, and potential side effects when prescribing or administering this medication in clinical practice.