A patient with chronic kidney disease is prescribed calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the patient regarding calcium carbonate administration?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Calcium carbonate should be taken with meals because it requires the presence of stomach acid to be properly absorbed. Taking it with meals helps ensure optimal absorption and effectiveness as a phosphate binder in patients with chronic kidney disease. Administering calcium carbonate on an empty stomach may lead to gastrointestinal side effects such as upset stomach, bloating, and constipation. Taking it with a full glass of water is also recommended to help prevent potential gastrointestinal issues and to ensure proper hydration. Crushing tablets before administration is not advised unless specifically instructed by a healthcare provider, as it can alter the drug's release and absorption properties.

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: Preoperative nursing intervention that is essential for preparing a patient with a history of coronary artery disease for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is assisting the patient with deep breathing and coughing exercises. These exercises are crucial to prevent postoperative complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia, which are common risks after surgery. Deep breathing exercises help to expand the lungs and improve ventilation, while coughing exercises help to clear secretions and prevent respiratory complications. By assisting the patient with these exercises preoperatively, the nurse can help optimize the patient's respiratory function and decrease the risk of complications during and after surgery. Administering aspirin, providing education about pain management, and obtaining informed consent are also important aspects of preoperative care, but assisting with deep breathing and coughing exercises is particularly essential for patients undergoing CABG surgery due to the increased risk of respiratory complications in this population.

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.