A patient states during a medical history that he takes several acetaminophen tablets throughout the day for acute pain. The nurse teaches the patient that the dosage should not exceed which amount?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Acetaminophen is a commonly used analgesic and antipyretic, but excessive doses can lead to severe liver damage. The maximum recommended daily dose for adults is 4 grams (4000 mg). Exceeding this limit increases the risk of hepatotoxicity, which can be life-threatening. Nurses should educate patients about the importance of adhering to the recommended dosage and checking the acetaminophen content in over-the-counter medications to avoid accidental overdose. This teaching is critical for patient safety and preventing adverse outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Amiodarone is the drug of choice for treating severe ventricular dysrhythmias, such as those seen in patients with acute myocardial infarction. It is effective in treating both ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation. Amiodarone works by prolonging the action potential duration and refractory period in cardiac tissues, thereby helping to stabilize the heart's electrical activity. Diltiazem and Verapamil are calcium channel blockers that are not typically used for treating ventricular dysrhythmias. Adenosine is primarily used for treating supraventricular tachycardias.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: 1. INR (International Normalized Ratio): INR is the primary test used to monitor the effectiveness of Warfarin therapy. It measures the clotting tendency of the patient's blood in relation to a standard measurement. The INR target range for patients on Warfarin therapy varies depending on the reason for treatment, but typically falls between 2.0 to 3.0.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Phenylbutazone is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) known for its potential to cause bone marrow depression. Bone marrow depression is a serious side effect that can lead to decreased production of blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This can result in an increased risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding disorders. Therefore, phenylbutazone should be used cautiously and under close monitoring to avoid this complication. Aspirin, Colchicine, Ibuprofen, and Acetaminophen are not typically associated with causing bone marrow depression as a side effect.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Senna is a natural laxative commonly used to relieve constipation. Its primary mechanism of action is to stimulate the muscles in the intestines, leading to increased contractions and bowel movements. The evaluation of medication effectiveness for senna would typically focus on its ability to promote bowel movements and alleviate constipation. This would manifest as patients experiencing solid, formed bowel movements after taking senna. The options of decreased GI pain and irritation, healing of ulcers, and prevention of nausea and vomiting are not the primary expected outcomes when evaluating the effectiveness of senna as a medication for constipation.