A patient asks the nurse why he experiences a metallic taste after taking certain medications. The nurse explains that some medications are secreted by glandular activity. The nurse would identify which substances as examples of this excretion?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) Breast milk. Breast milk is an example of a substance that can be secreted by glandular activity. When medications are excreted through glandular secretion, they can sometimes alter the taste in the mouth, leading to a metallic taste sensation experienced by the patient. Option A) Saliva is not typically involved in the excretion of medications. Saliva is mainly produced by salivary glands to aid in the digestion process by moistening food and breaking down starches. Option B) Sweat is primarily involved in regulating body temperature and excreting waste products like water and electrolytes. Medications are not typically excreted through sweat glands. Option D) Urine is the primary route for excretion of many medications through the kidneys and urinary system. While medications excreted through urine can also lead to taste changes, in this case, the question specifically mentions glandular excretion, not renal excretion. In the context of nursing pharmacology, understanding how medications are excreted from the body is crucial for nurses to anticipate and manage potential side effects and drug interactions. Educating patients about these processes can help them better understand why they may experience certain symptoms after taking medications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of nursing pharmacology, understanding the cellular responses of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this scenario, the correct answer is C) Osmotic diuretics because they exert their effects through nonspecific mechanisms that involve altering osmotic pressure in the nephron, leading to increased urine output. Option A) Ethyl alcohol primarily acts on the central nervous system and does not have a nonspecific cellular response mechanism like osmotic diuretics. Option B) General anesthetics work by altering neurotransmission in the central nervous system, targeting specific receptors, rather than nonspecific cellular responses. Option D) Calcium channel blockers specifically target calcium channels in cardiac and smooth muscle cells, regulating calcium entry, which is a specific cellular response rather than nonspecific like osmotic diuretics. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the mechanisms of action of different medication classes in nursing practice. Nurses need to be able to differentiate between medications based on their specific cellular responses to provide safe and individualized care to patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is option A) "This is because your blood volume has increased." This answer is correct because during pregnancy, a woman's blood volume expands significantly, leading to dilution of the medication in the bloodstream. This dilution can result in the medication being less effective than before pregnancy. Option B) "Tell me how you have been taking your medication" is incorrect because it does not address the physiological changes occurring during pregnancy that impact medication effectiveness. Option C) "This is because your baby is receiving part of the medication" is incorrect because it implies that the medication is being diverted to the baby, which is not typically the reason for decreased effectiveness during pregnancy. Option D) "Maybe the medication has expired; check the label" is incorrect as it does not consider the specific pharmacokinetic changes that occur in the pregnant body. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding pharmacokinetics in pregnant patients. Nurses need to be aware of how physiological changes during pregnancy can impact medication effectiveness to provide safe and effective care to pregnant individuals. This knowledge is crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, option A is the correct response for the nurse to provide to the pregnant patient prone to substance abuse who states, "My baby isn’t getting my drugs, I am." The nurse should respond with this option because most illicit drugs can indeed cross the placenta and harm the developing fetus. It is vital for the patient to understand that what she consumes directly affects her baby. Option B is incorrect because stating that drugs may work longer in the baby does not address the immediate concern of harm to the fetus. Option C is also incorrect as it focuses on the baby not growing enough, which is not the main issue discussed by the patient. Option D is incorrect as it provides false reassurance that drugs will not harm the baby due to the pregnancy being at a certain stage. Educationally, this scenario highlights the importance of educating pregnant patients about the risks of substance abuse during pregnancy. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients to ensure they understand the potential harm their actions may cause to their unborn child. By choosing option A, the nurse can help the patient make more informed decisions regarding her health and the health of her baby.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In this scenario, option C is the correct response. NREM stage 3 sleep is indeed the deepest stage of sleep, crucial for physical rest and restoration. This stage is associated with slow-wave sleep, which is essential for feeling refreshed and energized upon waking. Without adequate time spent in this stage, individuals may experience fatigue and mood disturbances. Option A is incorrect because NREM stage 3 sleep is not the lightest stage of sleep; in fact, it is the deepest. Anxiety typically affects REM sleep more than NREM sleep. Option B is incorrect because dreaming actually occurs during REM sleep, not NREM stage 3 sleep. Dream deprivation can lead to irritability and cognitive deficits, not necessarily paranoia. Option D is incorrect as paradoxical sleep is another term for REM sleep, not NREM stage 3 sleep. From an educational perspective, it is essential for nursing students to understand the different stages of sleep and their importance in promoting overall health and well-being. By grasping the characteristics of each stage, nurses can better educate patients on the significance of quality sleep and address any concerns or misconceptions that may arise. Understanding these concepts also aids in providing appropriate care and interventions for patients with sleep disorders.