The parents of a child with asthma ask the nurse why their child cannot use oral corticosteroids more often, because they are so effective. The nurse will offer which information that is true for children?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context of safety pharmacology across the lifespan, it is crucial to understand the implications of using oral corticosteroids in children, especially those with conditions like asthma. The correct answer, A) Chronic steroid use can inhibit growth, is supported by evidence-based practice. Explanation of why A is correct: Children are more susceptible to growth inhibition with chronic steroid use due to the impact on the endocrine system. Corticosteroids can suppress the production of growth hormone and lead to decreased linear growth in children over time. This is a significant concern when considering the long-term use of oral corticosteroids in pediatric patients. Explanation of why others are wrong: B) Frequent use of this drug may lead to a decreased response: While tolerance can develop with frequent use of some medications, this is not the primary concern with oral corticosteroids in children. The main issue is their impact on growth. C) A hypersensitivity reaction to this drug may occur: While hypersensitivity reactions are possible with any medication, this is not a specific consideration related to the use of oral corticosteroids in children with asthma. D) Systemic steroids are more toxic in children: While children may be more susceptible to certain side effects of systemic steroids, such as growth inhibition, they are not inherently more toxic in this population compared to adults. Educational context: Understanding the effects of medications on different age groups is essential for healthcare providers, especially when caring for pediatric patients. By knowing the specific considerations for using oral corticosteroids in children, nurses can provide accurate information to parents and ensure the safe and effective management of pediatric asthma.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When switching between combination OCs, starting the new product at the beginning of the next menstrual cycle ensures continuous hormonal coverage and contraception efficacy without overlap or gaps. Immediate switching, stopping early, or using alternate methods unnecessarily disrupts this, making option B the correct instruction.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) Improved urinary hesitation. Terazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It works by relaxing smooth muscle in the bladder neck and prostate, thereby improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms associated with BPH. Urinary hesitation is a common symptom of BPH where a patient experiences difficulty initiating urination. Therefore, improvement in urinary hesitation would indicate the effectiveness of terazosin in relieving the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. Option A) Decreased prostate size is not typically a direct and immediate effect of terazosin treatment. While the medication may eventually lead to some reduction in prostate size, it is not the primary indicator of its effectiveness in managing BPH symptoms. Option B) Increased urinary frequency is not a desired outcome in BPH treatment. Terazosin aims to improve urinary flow and reduce the frequency of urination by addressing the obstruction in the urinary tract, so an increase in urinary frequency would not indicate its efficacy. Option D) Decreased serum PSA levels may be an indicator of response to BPH treatment in the long term, but it is not a direct and immediate measure of terazosin's effectiveness in relieving urinary symptoms such as urinary hesitation. In an educational context, understanding the specific effects and expected outcomes of pharmacological treatments for BPH is crucial for healthcare professionals managing patients with this condition. Recognizing the appropriate indicators of treatment efficacy helps in monitoring patient progress and adjusting management strategies as needed to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the scenario provided, the correct answer is option C) Hypotension. When a patient is receiving dobutamine, a beta-1 adrenergic agonist used to increase heart contractility, it can lead to vasodilation and subsequent lowering of blood pressure, resulting in hypotension. This adverse reaction is common with dobutamine due to its mechanism of action. Option A) Angina is incorrect because dobutamine is not known to cause angina. Option B) Dysrhythmias are possible with dobutamine use, as it can increase heart rate, but it is not the most likely adverse reaction in this case. Option D) Oliguria is also a possible adverse effect of dobutamine due to decreased renal perfusion, but hypotension is a more immediate concern in this scenario. In an educational context, understanding the potential adverse reactions of medications used in postoperative care is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide safe and effective patient care. By knowing the pharmacological effects of drugs like dobutamine and their potential complications, healthcare providers can monitor patients closely, anticipate adverse reactions, and intervene promptly to ensure patient safety and positive outcomes.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of safety pharmacology across the lifespan, the correct answer to this question is option C: monitors the patient for therapeutic and adverse effects. Monitoring the patient for both therapeutic effects (desired outcomes) and adverse effects (potential harm) is a critical responsibility during the evaluation phase of drug administration. This step ensures that the drug is having the intended effect and that any negative reactions are promptly identified and managed. It involves assessing the patient's response to the medication, observing for any signs of improvement or worsening of symptoms, and documenting any unexpected reactions. Option A, preparing and administering correctly, while important, primarily falls under the administration phase of drug administration rather than evaluation. Option B, establishing goals and outcome criteria related to drug therapy, is more related to the planning phase of drug administration where the nurse sets the objectives for the therapy. Option D, gathering data in a drug and dietary history, is typically part of the assessment phase where the nurse collects information to inform the decision-making process but is not specific to the evaluation phase. In an educational context, understanding the responsibilities during each phase of drug administration is crucial for nurses to ensure safe and effective patient care. Emphasizing the importance of monitoring for therapeutic and adverse effects during the evaluation phase helps reinforce the significance of ongoing assessment and vigilance in pharmacological management.