A patient who is taking psychotropic medication is experiencing constipation. Which intervention would the nurse plan for the patient?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: Choice A is the correct answer because increasing water intake and consuming fiber-rich foods like green vegetables and bran can help alleviate constipation without the need for additional medication. Water helps soften stool, while fiber promotes bowel movement. Choice B lacks sufficient fiber intake and includes liver, which may not be well-tolerated by everyone. Choice C involves daily use of laxatives and stool softeners, which can lead to dependency and worsen constipation in the long run. Choice D suggests using a retention enema, which is an invasive intervention and should be reserved for severe cases.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Cardiac dysrhythmias. Tricyclic antidepressant overdose can lead to sodium channel blockade, causing prolonged QT intervals and various cardiac arrhythmias, including ventricular tachycardia and fibrillation. This is a critical concern as it can lead to life-threatening situations like cardiac arrest. Immediate monitoring and intervention are necessary. Hypertension (A) may occur due to anticholinergic effects, but it is not the most immediate concern. Renal failure (B) and gastrointestinal bleeding (D) are not typically associated with tricyclic antidepressant overdose and are not immediate concerns in this scenario.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because Amiodarone (Cordarone) is classified as a class III antidysrhythmic drug which acts by prolonging the action potential duration. This leads to prolongation of the refractory period of the heart, helping to prevent reentry of arrhythmias. Choice A is incorrect as blocking slow calcium channels is the mechanism of action for class IV drugs. Choice C is incorrect as blocking sodium channels is the mechanism for class I drugs. Choice D is incorrect as decreasing spontaneous depolarization is the mechanism for class II drugs.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Force fluids to help loosen and liquefy secretions. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening mucus in the airways, making it easier to cough up secretions. By instructing the patient to increase fluid intake, it helps enhance the medication's effect by keeping the secretions moist and easier to expel. Reporting clear-colored sputum (choice B) is not necessary as it is a normal sign of the medication working. Avoiding driving or operating heavy machinery (choice C) is not relevant as guaifenesin does not have sedating effects. Reporting symptoms lasting longer than 2 days (choice D) is important, but not directly related to the medication's mechanism of action.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because absorption of drugs taken orally depends on the secretion and motor function of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This is because the drug needs to be properly broken down and absorbed through the GI tract before entering the bloodstream. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Fast onset of effect is more characteristic of routes like intravenous or inhalation. C: A drug reaching the blood passing the liver is more characteristic of the hepatic first-pass effect, not specific to the oral route. D: Sterilization of medicinal forms is not obligatory for the oral route, as proper storage and handling can ensure safety.