A patient will be taking niacin as part of antilipemic therapy. What is the best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best way to avoid problems with flushing or pruritus when taking niacin for antilipemic therapy is to take the medication with a full glass of water on an empty stomach. This method helps to minimize the chances of flushing or itching commonly associated with niacin therapy. Niacin can cause flushing by dilating blood vessels, leading to redness, warmth, and itching of the skin. Taking it on an empty stomach with water can help reduce the intensity of these side effects. Starting with a low initial dose and then gradually increasing it can also help to reduce flushing and other adverse effects associated with niacin therapy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The nurse should include the instruction to avoid drinking large amounts of green tea when providing dietary teaching for a patient receiving warfarin therapy. Green tea is high in vitamin K, which can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin, an anticoagulant medication. Maintaining a consistent intake of vitamin K is important for patients on warfarin in order to keep their INR (International Normalized Ratio) levels stable. It is not necessary to avoid all sources of vitamin K, but rather to keep intake consistent and moderate. Drinking large amounts of green tea, which is high in vitamin K, can potentially impact the patient's INR levels and increase the risk of bleeding or clotting issues.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The most common undesirable effect of thrombolytic therapy is internal and superficial bleeding. Thrombolytic medications work by dissolving blood clots, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding. This bleeding can occur internally, such as in the gastrointestinal tract or brain, or externally, in the form of bruising or easy bleeding from cuts or wounds. It is crucial for healthcare providers to closely monitor patients receiving thrombolytic therapy for signs of bleeding and to promptly address any concerns to prevent complications. Dysrhythmias, nausea and vomiting, and anaphylactic reactions are less common adverse effects associated with thrombolytic therapy compared to bleeding.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In caring for a patient on Digoxin, monitoring for adverse effects is crucial. The correct answer, "Fatigue," is a common adverse effect of Digoxin toxicity. Digoxin can cause fatigue due to its impact on the heart muscle and overall cardiac function. This symptom can indicate a potential overdose or toxicity, necessitating prompt medical intervention. Option B, "Constipation," is not typically associated with Digoxin use. Digoxin's primary effects are on the heart, not the gastrointestinal system. Constipation is usually not a common adverse effect of Digoxin and is less likely to be directly related to its use. Option C, "Anorexia," is also not a typical adverse effect of Digoxin. While gastrointestinal disturbances can occur with Digoxin, anorexia is not a commonly reported symptom. It is essential for the nurse to differentiate between expected and abnormal side effects to provide appropriate care. Option D, "Rash," is not a common adverse effect of Digoxin either. Skin reactions are not typically associated with Digoxin therapy. It is important for the nurse to focus on symptoms directly related to the medication to ensure timely recognition of potential issues. Educationally, understanding the common adverse effects of medications like Digoxin is vital for patient safety and effective nursing care. Nurses must be able to differentiate between expected side effects, adverse reactions, and potential toxicity to provide optimal patient monitoring and intervention. By emphasizing the significance of monitoring for specific adverse effects, nurses can enhance patient outcomes and safety.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, with the patient experiencing leg pain while taking atorvastatin (Lipitor), a medication commonly used to treat high cholesterol, it is essential to prioritize the patient's safety and well-being. Leg pain can be a sign of a rare but serious side effect known as rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potentially affect kidney function. Therefore, it is crucial to immediately discontinue the medication (atorvastatin) and have the patient come in to the clinic to be seen today for further evaluation and management. This will allow healthcare providers to assess the severity of the leg pain, conduct necessary tests, and determine the appropriate course of action to ensure the patient's health and safety.