Indications for etidronate administration are the following, EXCEPT:

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of nursing pharmacology, understanding the indications for drug administration is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this case, the correct answer is option C) Hypophosphatemia. Etidronate is a bisphosphonate medication primarily used in the treatment of Paget's disease and osteoporosis by inhibiting bone resorption. The incorrect options are: A) Paget's disease - This is a correct indication for etidronate administration. B) Osteoporosis - Also a correct indication for etidronate use. D) Hypercalcemia - Etidronate is not indicated for hypercalcemia as it can further lower serum calcium levels due to its mechanism of action on bone metabolism. Educational context: Understanding the specific indications for medications like etidronate is essential for nurses to ensure they are administering the right drug for the right condition. Knowing the contraindications helps prevent medication errors and adverse effects in patients. Nurses must be able to differentiate between various conditions to make informed clinical decisions regarding drug therapy.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D) Hydrocortisone. In this context, we are discussing major mineralocorticoids. Mineralocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids that primarily regulate electrolyte and water balance in the body. Aldosterone (Option A) is a major mineralocorticoid produced by the adrenal glands. It acts on the kidneys to regulate sodium and potassium levels in the blood. Deoxycorticosterone (Option B) is another mineralocorticoid that plays a role in electrolyte balance. Fludrocortisone (Option C) is a synthetic mineralocorticoid often used in clinical settings to treat conditions like adrenal insufficiency. It mimics the actions of aldosterone in the body. Hydrocortisone (Option D) is not a major mineralocorticoid; it is a glucocorticoid that primarily regulates metabolism and immune response, not electrolyte balance. Understanding the different types of corticosteroids and their functions is crucial for nursing pharmacology practice. Identifying the major mineralocorticoids helps nurses make informed decisions when administering medications that affect electrolyte balance in patients.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A) Furosemide (Lasix) because it is a loop diuretic that acts on the lumenal side of the renal tubules. Furosemide inhibits the Na+/K+/2Cl- symporter in the thick ascending loop of Henle, leading to increased excretion of sodium, chloride, and water. This mechanism of action occurs specifically at the lumenal side of the renal tubules. Option B) Acetazolamide (Diamox) is incorrect because it is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that acts on the proximal convoluted tubule by inhibiting the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. This action occurs on the intracellular side of the tubular cells, not on the lumenal side. Option C) Both of the above is incorrect because only Furosemide (Lasix) acts on the lumenal side of the renal tubules, while Acetazolamide (Diamox) does not. Option D) Neither of the above is incorrect as Furosemide (Lasix) does act on the lumenal side of the renal tubules. Understanding the site of action of diuretics is crucial in pharmacology to predict their effects on electrolyte balance and fluid volume in patients. Nurses need to have a solid grasp of these concepts to ensure safe medication administration and patient monitoring, especially in those with renal impairment or electrolyte imbalances.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this question, the correct answer is B) Furosemide (Lasix). Furosemide is a loop diuretic that inhibits sodium and chloride transport in the cortical thick ascending limb and the early distal tubule of the nephron. This mechanism of action results in increased urine production. Option A) Acetazolamide (Diamox) is a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor that acts on the proximal convoluted tubule, not on the thick ascending limb or early distal tubule. Option C) Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDiuril) is a thiazide diuretic that acts on the distal convoluted tubule, not the thick ascending limb or early distal tubule. Option D) Amiloride (Midamor) is a potassium-sparing diuretic that acts on the late distal tubule and collecting duct, not on the cortical thick ascending limb or early distal tubule. Understanding the site of action of diuretics is crucial for nurses in pharmacology as it helps in choosing the appropriate diuretic based on the patient's condition and needs. Loop diuretics like furosemide are often used in conditions where significant diuresis is required, such as in heart failure or pulmonary edema. This knowledge is essential for safe and effective medication administration and patient care.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Amiloride (Midamor) acts at the collecting duct in the nephron. The correct answer is D. Explanation: Amiloride is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by inhibiting sodium reabsorption in the collecting duct of the nephron. By blocking sodium channels in the collecting duct, amiloride prevents the reabsorption of sodium and water, leading to increased excretion of sodium and water in the urine. Why others are wrong: A) Proximal convoluted tubule: This is incorrect because amiloride does not act in the proximal convoluted tubule. B) Ascending thick limb of the loop of Henle: This is incorrect as amiloride does not target this part of the nephron. C) Distal convoluted tubule: This is incorrect as amiloride does not act in the distal convoluted tubule. Educational context: Understanding the site of action of pharmacological agents like amiloride is crucial for nursing practice. Knowing that amiloride acts at the collecting duct helps nurses anticipate its effects on electrolyte balance and fluid volume in patients. This knowledge is essential for safe medication administration, patient monitoring, and patient education regarding potential side effects and drug interactions.