A patient is receiving thrombolytic therapy, and the nurse monitors the patient for adverse effects. What is the most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy is bleeding, both internal and superficial. Thrombolytic agents work by dissolving blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Patients receiving thrombolytic therapy should be closely monitored for signs of bleeding, such as easy bruising, petechiae, hematomas, or gastrointestinal bleeding. It is essential for healthcare providers to assess and manage the risk of bleeding while administering thrombolytic therapy to minimize potential complications. Dysrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, and anaphylactic reactions are less common adverse effects of thrombolytic therapy compared to bleeding.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Ibutilide (Corvert) is a class III antiarrhythmic medication primarily used for the treatment of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter. It works by prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period of atrial tissue. Therefore, when a nurse notes that a patient will be taking ibutilide, it indicates that the patient likely has atrial fibrillation, a common arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular electrical activity in the atria of the heart.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, monitoring patients taking diuretics is crucial to assess their response to treatment and prevent potential complications. Daily weight monitoring is essential because diuretics promote fluid loss, which can lead to changes in body weight. Sudden weight gain or loss may indicate fluid retention or dehydration, necessitating dose adjustments or further evaluation by healthcare providers. Intake and output monitoring is also important as diuretics increase urine output, potentially causing electrolyte imbalances. Tracking fluid intake and output helps to evaluate kidney function and electrolyte levels, ensuring patient safety. Monitoring the amount and location of edema is not a direct monitoring parameter for patients taking diuretics. While diuretics are commonly used to reduce edema, the focus should be on assessing the effectiveness of diuretic therapy through weight and fluid balance monitoring rather than solely on edema presence. Appetite monitoring is not directly related to diuretic therapy. While some medications may affect appetite as a side effect, it is not a primary parameter to monitor in patients taking diuretics. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind monitoring parameters for diuretic therapy is essential for nursing students and healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. Emphasizing the importance of regular monitoring can help prevent adverse effects and optimize treatment outcomes for patients on diuretic therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: It is important to educate a patient that Regular Insulin should be injected subcutaneously to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Injecting the insulin into the subcutaneous tissue allows for a slower and more consistent absorption of the medication, which helps in controlling blood glucose levels effectively. Administering insulin subcutaneously also minimizes the risk of complications associated with other injection sites or techniques.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Rotating the application sites of transdermal patches is important to prevent skin irritation and enhance absorption efficiency. This practice helps to minimize skin irritation and allows the skin to recover between applications. By rotating the sites weekly, the client can ensure optimal medication delivery and reduce the risk of skin reactions at any specific application site. This indicates that the client understands the importance of proper patch placement and skin care.