A patient with elevated lipid levels has a new prescription for nicotinic acid (niacin). The nurse informs the patient that which adverse effects may occur with this medication?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nicotinic acid, also known as niacin, is commonly associated with adverse effects of pruritus (itching) and cutaneous flushing (reddening of the skin). These effects are often dose-related and can be minimized if the medication is taken with food or slowly titrated up. Tinnitus and urine with a burnt odor are not typically associated with nicotinic acid. Myalgia (muscle pain) and fatigue are more commonly seen with statin medications rather than niacin. Blurred vision and headaches are not commonly reported side effects of nicotinic acid either.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this case, the blood type of the donor (type O, Rh-negative) is not compatible with the blood type of the patient (type AB, Rh-positive). Blood type AB individuals can receive blood from all blood types (universal recipient), but they can only donate to individuals with the same blood type. Therefore, if a patient with blood type AB receives a transfusion of type O blood, it will lead to a major incompatibility reaction, possibly resulting in serious complications such as hemolysis (destruction of red blood cells), renal failure, and even death. It is crucial for the nurse to verify the blood type of the patient and ensure that the correct blood type is provided to prevent such adverse reactions.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Albuterol is a medication commonly used to treat asthma and other respiratory conditions. It works by relaxing the muscles in the airways, allowing the air passages to widen and making it easier to breathe. This bronchodilation effect helps to relieve symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Albuterol is classified as a short-acting beta-agonist, and its therapeutic use lies in its ability to provide quick relief during acute asthma attacks or to prevent exercise-induced bronchospasm.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Valproate is a medication commonly used to treat seizures and prevent migraine headaches. It acts by suppressing seizure activity and stabilizing electrical activity in the brain. Valproate is a broad-spectrum anticonvulsant drug that can be an effective treatment for epilepsy and migraine prophylaxis. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity, thus reducing the frequency and severity of seizures and migraine attacks. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic drug used to treat type 2 diabetes, hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic used to treat high blood pressure, and atropine is a medication with various uses, including dilating the pupils and reducing secretions during surgery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Drug tolerance occurs when a person needs more of a drug to achieve the same effect they initially experienced with a lower dose. In this scenario, the client mentioning that they do not get the same relief with the pain medication suggests that their body has built up a tolerance to the medication. This is different from drug addiction, which involves a psychological and physical reliance on a drug, and physical dependence, which is the body's adaptation to a drug leading to withdrawal symptoms when the drug is stopped. Psychological dependence involves a perceived need for a drug due to psychological reasons rather than physical necessity. In this case, the client's statement points to drug tolerance as the likely reason for experiencing decreased effectiveness of the pain medication.