A patient is scheduled to receive chemotherapy drugs that will cause myelosuppression. Which action by the nurse will be most important?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myelosuppression, a common side effect of chemotherapy, leads to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A drop in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, increases the risk of infection. Monitoring for a change in temperature is critical because fever is often the first sign of infection in neutropenic patients. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, such as administering antibiotics, to prevent life-threatening complications. While gastrointestinal function, cardiac compromise, and changes in taste are important to assess, they are not as immediately life-threatening as an undetected infection in a myelosuppressed patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When monitoring a patient on Clopidogrel therapy, it is important to monitor for signs of thrombotic thrombolytic purpura (TTP), bleeding during therapy, and changes in blood counts. Clopidogrel is an antiplatelet medication that works by preventing platelets from sticking together and forming clots. Monitoring for signs of TTP is necessary as clopidogrel has been associated with an increased risk of TTP in some patients. Additionally, monitoring for bleeding is crucial as clopidogrel, like other antiplatelet medications, can increase the risk of bleeding complications. Monitoring a complete blood count (CBC) with differential and platelet count allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's blood cell levels and ensure that the medication is not causing any adverse effects on blood counts. Therefore, monitoring all of the above parameters is essential to ensure the safety and efficacy of clopidogrel therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A. Assess lung sounds, Pulse, and Blood pressure before administering: It is important to assess the patient's baseline lung sounds, pulse rate, and blood pressure before administering Albuterol to monitor for any changes that may occur after administration. This is crucial in determining the effectiveness of the medication and detecting any potential side effects.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: When a patient is experiencing digoxin toxicity, severe sinus bradycardia that does not respond to cardiac pacing is a clinical situation that would necessitate the use of digoxin-specific antibody fragments (Digibind). This intervention is required to counteract the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart, especially in cases of severe bradycardia that can compromise cardiac output and lead to serious consequences. In this scenario, Digibind works by binding to digoxin molecules, thereby neutralizing their effects and helping to restore normal cardiac function.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myelosuppression, a common side effect of chemotherapy, leads to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. A drop in white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, increases the risk of infection. Monitoring for a change in temperature is critical because fever is often the first sign of infection in neutropenic patients. Early detection allows for prompt intervention, such as administering antibiotics, to prevent life-threatening complications. While gastrointestinal function, cardiac compromise, and changes in taste are important to assess, they are not as immediately life-threatening as an undetected infection in a myelosuppressed patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lidocaine is a local anesthetic that can have systemic effects if levels become toxic. Continuous infusion of lidocaine can lead to lidocaine toxicity, which can manifest as adverse effects including convulsions, altered mental status, confusion, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring for signs of lidocaine toxicity, such as convulsions, is crucial when a patient is receiving continuous lidocaine infusion. It is important for the nurse to closely monitor the patient's neurological status and vital signs to promptly recognize and manage any adverse effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Topical corticosteroids can exacerbate viral infections, such as herpes simplex, by suppressing the immune response. They are contraindicated in the presence of viral infections to prevent worsening of the condition. Bacterial, parasitic, and spirochete infections are not absolute contraindications, although caution is advised.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: A decoction is a liquid preparation made by boiling vegetable substances with water. This process helps extract the beneficial properties and compounds from the plant material into the liquid. Decoctions are commonly used in herbal medicine to prepare medicinal remedies by simmering roots, bark, or other plant parts in water for a period of time.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The basis for pharmacotherapeutics lies in the selective action of drugs with regard to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases. Pharmacotherapeutics involves the use of drugs to manage diseases and improve health outcomes. Drugs are carefully selected based on their mechanism of action, efficacy, safety profile, and suitability for a specific condition. The goal is to achieve optimal therapeutic effects while minimizing potential adverse effects. By understanding the selective action of drugs in targeting specific pathways or processes in the body, healthcare providers can customize treatment regimens to individual patients and achieve the best possible outcomes.