A patient is receiving spironolactone for heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Spironolactone, a potassium-sparing diuretic, can lead to hyperkalemia due to its mechanism of action. Hyperkalemia, or elevated potassium levels, can result in serious cardiac complications and requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should promptly report any signs or symptoms of hyperkalemia to prevent potential adverse outcomes in the patient.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Relief of abdominal pain is a key indicator of omeprazole effectively treating peptic ulcer disease. Omeprazole works by reducing stomach acid production, which helps alleviate abdominal pain associated with peptic ulcers. While relief of other symptoms like headache, nausea, and heartburn may also occur, the primary therapeutic goal of omeprazole in peptic ulcer disease is to reduce abdominal pain caused by gastric irritation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct test to monitor the therapeutic effect of heparin is the activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Heparin's action is to prolong the clotting time, and aPTT reflects this effect. Monitoring aPTT helps ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range to prevent clot formation while minimizing the risk of bleeding complications. PT/INR is used to monitor warfarin therapy, platelet count assesses for potential thrombocytopenia, and WBC count evaluates for signs of infection or inflammation, not the therapeutic effect of heparin.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of a client with a UTI and a history of recurrent infections, the correct laboratory test that the provider needs to wait for before prescribing an antibiotic is the sensitivity test (Option C). This test is crucial because it helps identify the specific antibiotic that will be most effective against the particular strain of bacteria causing the infection. Gram stain (Option A) is used to identify the type of bacteria present but does not provide information on which antibiotic will be most effective. Culture (Option B) is essential for identifying the specific bacteria causing the infection, but sensitivity testing is needed to determine the most appropriate treatment. Specific gravity (Option D) is a measure of urine concentration and not relevant to choosing an antibiotic. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind waiting for sensitivity results emphasizes the importance of targeted therapy in treating infections. It highlights the need for precise identification of pathogens to optimize treatment outcomes, prevent antibiotic resistance, and minimize side effects. This knowledge is crucial for nurses in providing safe and effective care to patients with infections.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, option B is the correct answer: "I will inform my doctor if I experience diarrhea." This statement indicates that the client understands the importance of monitoring and reporting a common side effect of Tetracycline, which is diarrhea. Option A is incorrect because taking Tetracycline with milk can decrease its absorption due to chelation, making the medication less effective. Option C is incorrect because discontinuing the medication prematurely can lead to treatment failure and potential development of antibiotic resistance. Option D is incorrect because Tetracycline should not be taken just before bedtime as lying down after taking it can increase the risk of esophageal irritation and ulceration. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of patient education regarding medication administration and side effect monitoring. It emphasizes the need for healthcare providers to ensure that patients comprehend instructions correctly to achieve optimal treatment outcomes and prevent potential complications. This case also underscores the significance of healthcare providers' role in promoting medication safety and adherence through effective patient teaching.