A patient with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed prednisone for an acute exacerbation. Which instruction is important for the nurse to include in patient education about prednisone therapy?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: It is crucial for patients with COPD who are prescribed prednisone to be educated about the importance of not abruptly stopping the medication. Prednisone is a type of corticosteroid that should be tapered off gradually under the guidance of a healthcare provider to prevent potential withdrawal symptoms and adrenal insufficiency. Suddenly stopping prednisone can lead to serious adverse effects, including fatigue, weakness, joint pain, fever, dizziness, and potentially life-threatening complications. Therefore, adherence to the prescribed tapering schedule is essential to ensure the safe and effective management of COPD exacerbations with prednisone therapy.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: NSAIDs are commonly known to increase the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects, including gastritis, ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding. This risk is due to the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis, which plays a protective role in the gastrointestinal mucosa. Gastrointestinal bleeding can manifest as symptoms such as black, tarry stools, vomiting blood, or abdominal pain. Therefore, it is crucial for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for signs and symptoms of gastrointestinal bleeding while taking NSAIDs to prevent potentially serious complications. Hypotension, hyperkalemia, and hyperglycemia are not commonly associated with NSAIDs use, making them less likely adverse effects to monitor for in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed for the management of insomnia due to their sedative effects. One of the most common adverse effects of benzodiazepines is daytime drowsiness, which can impair the patient's ability to function normally during the day. Monitoring the patient closely for daytime drowsiness is important to ensure their safety and well-being, as it can affect their daily activities and increase the risk of accidents or falls. It is essential for the nurse to educate the patient on the potential for daytime drowsiness and advise them to avoid activities that require full alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, until they know how the medication affects them. If the patient experiences severe or persistent daytime drowsiness, the healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage or consider alternative treatment options.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Excessive bleeding during a surgical procedure is a critical situation that requires immediate attention. The surgeon should be notified promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated to control the bleeding, such as applying pressure, administering hemostatic agents, or performing additional surgical measures. The surgeon is ultimately responsible for addressing the source of bleeding and ensuring the patient's safety during the procedure. It is important for the nurse to communicate effectively and collaborate with the surgical team to manage the situation efficiently and effectively.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Using an expired skin preparation solution can compromise the safety and effectiveness of the surgical site cleansing. Expired solutions may have reduced efficacy or could cause adverse reactions due to chemical breakdown over time. Therefore, it is essential for the nurse to discard the expired solution and obtain a new one to ensure proper sanitation and reduce the risk of complications during the surgical procedure. It is important to adhere to proper protocols and guidelines in healthcare settings to maintain patient safety and optimal outcomes.