Michael calls the clinic to ask about taking fish oil supplements with his simvastatin prescription. The NP's response is:

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because fish oil (omega-3s) and simvastatin both lower triglycerides with no significant interactions; studies show they're safe together, enhancing lipid benefits. Choice A is incorrect as fish oil's bleeding risk is minimal and not amplified by simvastatin. Choice C is wrong because fish oil doesn't reduce simvastatin's efficacy—they're complementary. Choice D is incorrect since no prescription is needed for this safe combination.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Administering oxygen is the priority action for a client experiencing restlessness, agitation, and an increased respiratory rate after a myocardial infarction (MI). This intervention helps ensure adequate oxygenation, improve cardiac function, and reduce the workload on the heart. Oxygen therapy takes precedence over administering medications like morphine sulfate or notifying the healthcare provider as it addresses the immediate need for oxygenation. Checking the blood pressure is also important but not as urgent as ensuring proper oxygen supply.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Limiting alcohol intake is an essential lifestyle modification recommended for managing hypertension. Excessive alcohol consumption can raise blood pressure, so limiting it to one drink per day is beneficial in controlling hypertension. Alcohol moderation is a key part of a heart-healthy lifestyle for individuals with high blood pressure. Choice B is incorrect because increasing sodium intake can actually worsen hypertension by retaining water and increasing blood pressure. Choice C is incorrect because while exercise is important for overall health, moderate-intensity exercise is recommended for individuals with hypertension to avoid excessive strain on the heart. Choice D is incorrect because high potassium foods like bananas are actually beneficial for individuals with hypertension as they can help lower blood pressure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because restricted distribution (e.g., REMS) is primarily for drugs with serious safety risks (e.g., thalidomide), not cost or supply alone. Choice A is incorrect as cost doesn't mandate restriction—insurance handles that. Choice C is wrong because limited supply isn't a REMS trigger. Choice D is incorrect since only B is the core reason.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The priority action for the nurse is to review the medication actions and interactions. Interferon alfa-2a and ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C can lead to neuropsychiatric side effects, including depression. By assessing the medication actions and interactions, the nurse can identify if the depression is a known side effect of the medications, and further intervention or adjustment of the treatment plan may be required to address the client's emotional well-being. Recommending mental health counseling (choice A) may be necessary but should come after ensuring that the depression is not solely caused by medication side effects. Assessing the client's daily activity level (choice C) and providing information about a support group (choice D) are important interventions but addressing the medication's potential contribution to the depression takes precedence.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because antacids change gastric pH, affecting drug absorption. Choice B is incorrect as distribution isn’t directly altered. Choice C is wrong since toxicity isn’t the primary concern here. Choice D is inaccurate as antacids typically reduce upset.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Choice D is correct because acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are safe OTC options for pain/fever when used per guidelines, with well-established profiles. Choice A is incorrect alone as it's one drug. Choice B is wrong by itself because aspirin is just part. Choice C is incorrect solo since ibuprofen is only one option.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because phase I metabolism, involving cytochrome P450 enzymes, relies on protein for enzyme synthesis; malnutrition impairs this, reducing metabolism. Choice B is incorrect as iron deficiency affects oxygen transport, not directly phase I processes. Choice C is wrong since only protein malnutrition, not iron deficiency, is directly relevant. Choice D is incorrect because protein malnutrition does impact metabolism.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to monitor for signs of hyperkalemia when taking spironolactone since it is a potassium-sparing diuretic. Hyperkalemia is a potential adverse effect due to the medication's mechanism of action. Advising the client to increase potassium-rich foods (Choice A) would be incorrect as it can further elevate potassium levels, which could lead to hyperkalemia. Avoiding grapefruit juice (Choice B) is not directly related to spironolactone use. Though taking the medication with food (Choice C) can help reduce gastrointestinal upset, it is not the most critical instruction when initiating spironolactone therapy.