A patient who takes high-dose aspirin to treat arthritis will need to take prednisone to treat an acute flare of symptoms. What action will the nurse perform?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: When a patient taking high-dose aspirin for arthritis requires prednisone for an acute flare, the nurse should be aware that prednisone can increase blood glucose levels. As such, the nurse should monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of hyperglycemia, not hypoglycemia. It is essential to closely monitor the patient's blood glucose levels to prevent complications associated with high blood sugar levels, such as hyperglycemia. It is also crucial to educate the patient about the potential side effects of prednisone and instruct the patient on how to manage blood glucose levels while taking the medication.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Higher potency (lower dose for effect) can coexist with lower efficacy (max effect), true, as potency reflects affinity, not ceiling effect. Higher receptor affinity increases potency, true, per receptor theory. Lower potency doesn't mandate lower efficacy; a less potent drug can achieve the same max effect with more dose, making this false. Higher potency with equal efficacy is true (e.g., partial agonists). This pharmacodynamic distinction is vital for drug selection, where efficacy often trumps potency.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, a type of angiotensin inhibitor, may have a serious interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This interaction can potentially reduce the effectiveness of the ACE inhibitor in lowering blood pressure and may cause kidney damage in susceptible individuals. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to be aware of this potential drug interaction and to monitor the patient for any signs of adverse effects when these two drug classes are used together.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: MAOIs (e.g., phenelzine) block tyramine breakdown, risking hypertensive crisis with foods like cheese, per pharmacology. SSRIs, beta blockers, and benzos lack this interaction-tyramine isn't their concern. MAOIs' dietary restriction is critical, a unique safety point.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Thiazide diuretics are commonly used as first-line therapy for hypertension due to their effectiveness, safety profile, and affordability. They work by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the distal convoluted tubule, leading to increased elimination of sodium and water, ultimately reducing blood volume and blood pressure. Thiazide diuretics are generally well-tolerated and have been shown to be effective in lowering blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Loop diuretics, such as furosemide, are more potent diuretics typically reserved for use in conditions where aggressive diuresis is needed, such as heart failure or renal disease. Osmotic diuretics, like mannitol, are primarily used for reducing intracranial pressure or preventing acute kidney injury. Potassium-sparing diuretics are often used in combination with other diuretics to prevent hypokalemia but are not typically used as

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: After administering erythromycin ointment to the eyes of the newborn, there is no need to flush the eyes. The ointment is meant to be left in the eyes to provide protection against eye infections that can be acquired during birth. Flushing the eyes after instilling the ointment may reduce its effectiveness and is not part of the standard procedure. The ointment should be applied directly to the conjunctival sacs without rinsing or flushing the eyes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Naloxone (Narcan) is the antidote for opioid-induced respiratory depression and should be readily available when administering opioid analgesics during labor. It works by reversing the effects of opioids on the respiratory system, restoring normal breathing. Oxycodone, meperidine, and morphine are opioids and would exacerbate respiratory depression. Therefore, naloxone is the correct medication to have on hand.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Given the patient's history of liver transplant and current medications (prednisone and azathioprine), the nurse should pay close attention to an increased cholesterol level. Corticosteroids (such as prednisone) and immunosuppressants (such as azathioprine) can both contribute to dyslipidemia, leading to elevated cholesterol levels. Monitoring cholesterol levels is crucial in this patient population to assess cardiovascular risk and potentially adjust medications or lifestyle interventions accordingly. The other findings mentioned (soft non-tender lump in the shoulder, grade 1+ pitting edema in the feet, swollen and pinkish gums) may be important to note but do not directly relate to the patient's history of liver transplant and medication regimen.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Intravenous nitroglycerin can be given in infusions with other medications, such as saline or dextrose solutions, to manage acute conditions like acute myocardial infarction. Combining nitroglycerin with other medications in an infusion is a common practice to treat patients in critical conditions and optimize therapy. This allows healthcare providers to administer multiple medications simultaneously through the same IV line, ensuring prompt and effective treatment.