A patient reports having adverse effects with nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse can suggest performing which action to minimize these undesirable effects?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Take an aspirin tablet 30 minutes before taking the drug. This is because aspirin helps reduce flushing, a common adverse effect of niacin. Aspirin inhibits prostaglandin synthesis, which is responsible for vasodilation leading to flushing. Taking niacin on an empty stomach (A) may worsen gastrointestinal side effects. Taking the medication every other day (B) may not effectively manage the adverse effects. Taking the drug with large amounts of fiber (D) is not proven to minimize niacin's adverse effects.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Time of drug absorption. Half-life is a pharmacokinetic parameter that represents the time required for the concentration of a drug in the body to decrease by half. The half-life of a drug is not influenced by the time it takes for the drug to be absorbed into the bloodstream. Factors such as biotransformation, concentration in plasma, and the rate of drug elimination affect the half-life of a drug. Biotransformation can alter the drug's chemical structure, affecting its elimination rate. Higher plasma concentrations can lead to a longer half-life, while a faster rate of drug elimination results in a shorter half-life.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Bupivacaine. Bupivacaine has a greater potency of local anesthetic action due to its higher lipid solubility and protein binding, leading to a slower onset and longer duration of action compared to other choices. Lidocaine (A) has a faster onset but shorter duration. Procaine (C) has a lower potency due to its lower lipid solubility. Mepivacaine (D) has a similar potency to lidocaine but with a shorter duration of action.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Bethanechol is the correct answer as it is mainly muscarinic in action. Bethanechol is a selective muscarinic receptor agonist with minimal nicotinic receptor activity. It is used to stimulate the bladder and gastrointestinal smooth muscle. Carbachol, while also a direct-acting cholinomimetic, has both muscarinic and nicotinic actions. Acetylcholine, the natural neurotransmitter, acts on both muscarinic and nicotinic receptors. "None of the above" is incorrect as Bethanechol is mainly muscarinic in action.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pralidoxime. Pralidoxime is an antidote used to regenerate cholinesterase inhibited by organophosphate poisoning, which affects skeletal muscle neuromuscular junctions. It works by reactivating the cholinesterase enzyme, restoring its function. Succinylcholine (A) is a muscle relaxant, not an agent for regenerating cholinesterase. Pirenzepine (C) is a muscarinic receptor antagonist used for gastric ulcers. Propiverine (D) is a bladder antimuscarinic. So, the most effective agent for regenerating cholinesterase at the neuromuscular junction is Pralidoxime.