Prior to administration of the initial dose of the GI agent misoprostol, which information should the nurse obtain from the client?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. It is crucial for the nurse to obtain information regarding the client's pregnancy status before administering misoprostol, as this medication is contraindicated in pregnancy due to its potential to cause uterine contractions. This can lead to serious complications such as miscarriage or premature birth. Therefore, assessing whether the client is currently pregnant is essential to ensure the safe administration of misoprostol.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Scopolamine is not a pain medication; it is commonly used to prevent nausea and vomiting, particularly in surgical settings. It works on the central nervous system to help control these symptoms, not to relieve pain. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to explain to the client that the medication is not intended to relieve pain but rather to manage other specific symptoms. Checking the correct placement of the patch is also important to ensure proper administration, but addressing the misconception about the medication's purpose is the priority in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C) The benztropine is used to control the side effects of olanzapine. This is the most appropriate information for the practical nurse to reinforce because benztropine is commonly used to manage the extrapyramidal side effects (such as tremors, muscle stiffness, and restlessness) associated with antipsychotic medications like olanzapine. Option A is incorrect because benztropine does not specifically target olanzapine's side effect of urinary retention. Option B is incorrect as benztropine does not potentiate the effect of olanzapine; rather, it helps mitigate its side effects. Option D is also incorrect because while the combination of benztropine and olanzapine may help in managing psychotic behaviors indirectly by addressing side effects, benztropine itself does not directly modify psychotic behavior. In an educational context, it is crucial for healthcare professionals to understand the rationale behind combination therapy and the specific roles of each medication to provide safe and effective care to patients. Reinforcing the purpose of benztropine in managing olanzapine's side effects helps ensure optimal patient outcomes and medication adherence.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The practical nurse (PN) should instruct the client to complete the full course of the antibiotic to ensure the infection is fully treated and to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance. Completing the full course of antibiotics helps to eradicate the infection completely and reduces the risk of bacteria developing resistance to the medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: In pharmacology, assessing the effectiveness of a drug is crucial for monitoring patient outcomes. In this scenario, option D - "I do not notice as many irregular heartbeats as before I started taking this medication" - best indicates that the drug amiodarone has been effective. This statement directly correlates with the drug's intended therapeutic effect, which is to regulate and stabilize irregular heartbeats. Option A, referring to reduced angina spells, is more indicative of drugs used to treat angina, not necessarily amiodarone, which is primarily used for arrhythmias. Option B, addressing ankle swelling, is unrelated to amiodarone's therapeutic effects. Option C, mentioning cholesterol levels, does not directly relate to the drug's intended purpose of treating irregular heartbeats. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding drug actions and intended therapeutic effects when assessing medication effectiveness in clinical practice. It emphasizes the need for precise patient monitoring and interpretation of patient responses to pharmacological interventions.