A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed tiotropium. What is the primary purpose of this medication?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Relieve bronchospasm. Tiotropium is an anticholinergic medication that acts by relaxing the muscles around the airways, thereby helping to relieve bronchospasm in patients with COPD. This results in improved airflow and reduced shortness of breath. A: Reduce mucus production - This is incorrect as tiotropium does not directly affect mucus production but rather focuses on bronchospasm relief. C: Suppress cough - Tiotropium may help with cough associated with COPD by improving airflow, but its primary purpose is not to suppress cough. D: Thin respiratory secretions - Tiotropium does not have a direct effect on thinning respiratory secretions; its main action is bronchodilation to relieve bronchospasm in COPD.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Suicidal thoughts. When a patient with depression is prescribed fluoxetine, there is a risk of increased suicidal thoughts, especially in the initial weeks of treatment. This is important for the nurse to monitor because it can lead to serious consequences. Weight gain (A) is a common side effect of fluoxetine but not as critical to monitor as suicidal thoughts. Bradycardia (B) and dry mouth (C) are not common side effects of fluoxetine and are less relevant to monitor in this scenario. Monitoring for suicidal thoughts is crucial for patient safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for choice C: 1. Metformin can cause gastrointestinal side effects. 2. Taking it with meals helps reduce stomach upset. 3. It also helps in better absorption and effectiveness. 4. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the patient to take metformin with meals. Summary of other choices: A: Taking on an empty stomach can worsen gastrointestinal side effects. B: Metformin doesn't typically cause hypoglycemia. D: Increasing simple carbohydrates can counteract the effects of metformin.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary purpose of prescribing montelukast for a patient with asthma is to prevent asthma attacks. Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that helps to reduce inflammation in the airways, thereby preventing asthma symptoms and attacks. It is not used to relieve acute bronchospasm (Choice A), as it is not a fast-acting rescue medication like a bronchodilator. Montelukast also does not thin respiratory secretions (Choice C) or suppress cough (Choice D) as its main mechanism of action is to prevent and control asthma symptoms by inhibiting leukotrienes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause potassium retention, leading to hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Hypoglycemia (B) is not a common side effect of lisinopril. Bradycardia (C) and constipation (D) are also not typically associated with lisinopril use. Hyperkalemia is the most critical side effect to monitor in this case.