A patient with severe pain is prescribed morphine sulfate. What is the most important side effect for the nurse to monitor?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Respiratory depression. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that can suppress the respiratory drive, leading to respiratory depression, which can be life-threatening. Monitoring respiratory status is crucial to prevent complications. Incorrect choices: A: Diarrhea - While constipation is a common side effect of opioid use, diarrhea is not a significant concern compared to respiratory depression. B: Hypertension - Morphine can cause hypotension rather than hypertension, so monitoring blood pressure for hypertension is not the priority. D: Increased urine output - Morphine can actually cause urinary retention, so increased urine output is not a key side effect to monitor.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Correct Answer: B (Liver toxicity) Rationale: 1. Valproic acid is known to cause liver toxicity. 2. The nurse should monitor liver function tests regularly. 3. Signs of liver toxicity include jaundice, abdominal pain, and nausea. 4. Prompt detection is crucial to prevent serious complications. Summary: A: Hypertension - Not a common side effect of valproic acid. C: Hyperglycemia - More commonly associated with other medications like antipsychotics. D: Bradycardia - Not a typical side effect of valproic acid.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Relieve neuropathic pain. Gabapentin is commonly used to treat neuropathic pain by stabilizing electrical activity in the brain and nervous system. It is effective in conditions such as diabetic neuropathy and postherpetic neuralgia. Choice B is incorrect because gabapentin does not have anti-inflammatory properties. Choice C is incorrect as gabapentin does not enhance opioid analgesia, but it can be used in conjunction with opioids for pain management. Choice D is incorrect as gabapentin is not indicated for cough suppression.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The primary action of digoxin in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions. Digoxin inhibits the sodium-potassium pump, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels, which enhances the force of myocardial contractions. This helps improve cardiac output and symptoms of heart failure. Explanation: A: Incorrect - Digoxin does not increase heart rate, it mainly affects the strength of contractions. B: Incorrect - Digoxin does not decrease cardiac output; it actually helps improve it by enhancing contractility. D: Incorrect - Digoxin may have a slight effect on lowering blood pressure, but its primary action in heart failure is to strengthen cardiac contractions, not lower blood pressure.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduce anxiety. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine that acts on the central nervous system to enhance the effects of a neurotransmitter called GABA, which helps to calm the brain and reduce anxiety. This medication does not increase energy levels (choice A), induce sedation (choice B), or elevate mood (choice C). Alprazolam's primary action is to target and alleviate the symptoms of anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing excessive brain activity associated with anxiety disorders.