The patient asks the nurse why she needs to continue using table salt because her prescribed lithium (Eskalith) is a salt. What is the best response by the nurse?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Lithium competes with sodium-adequate salt and hydration (1-1.5 L water) prevent toxicity by aiding excretion, per pharmacokinetics. Sea salt isn't less needed-sodium's the key. Retention isn't direct-hydration matters more. Increasing salt for toxicity is reactive, not preventive. Water trumps salt, clarifying use.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is A) Expected adverse event. The patient's presentation of fever, chills, and myalgias following interferon administration is consistent with flu-like symptoms commonly associated with interferon therapy. This reaction is an expected adverse event due to the immunomodulatory effects of interferon. Option B) Drug toxicity is incorrect because the symptoms described are more indicative of an expected side effect rather than a toxic reaction to the medication. Options C) Underlying atypical pneumonia and D) Underlying bacterial pneumonia are unlikely as the physical examination reveals clear lungs bilaterally, making pneumonia less probable. Educationally, understanding the common side effects of medications is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate between expected adverse events and potentially harmful reactions. This case highlights the importance of recognizing and managing side effects to ensure safe and effective patient care in individuals with complex medical conditions like HIV and hepatitis B.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Acetylcysteine. Acetylcysteine is the antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Acetaminophen overdose can lead to liver toxicity, and acetylcysteine helps prevent or reduce liver damage by replenishing glutathione, a key antioxidant in the liver. Option A) Acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) is not the correct antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Aspirin toxicity is treated differently, often with alkaline diuresis. Option C) Bicarbonate is not the correct choice for acetaminophen overdose. Bicarbonate is used to treat acidosis and certain drug toxicities but is not the primary antidote for acetaminophen overdose. Option D) Fomepizole is used in the treatment of toxic alcohol ingestions, such as methanol or ethylene glycol poisoning, not acetaminophen overdose. Educationally, it is crucial for healthcare providers to understand the appropriate antidotes for common drug overdoses to provide timely and effective care in emergency situations. Understanding the mechanisms of action of antidotes and their specific indications is essential for optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Alzheimer's disease features cholinergic neuron loss, impairing memory via reduced acetylcholine signaling in the hippocampus and cortex. Drugs like acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil) boost cholinergic transmission by preventing acetylcholine breakdown, modestly improving memory and cognition in early stages. Adrenergic enhancement (e.g., via norepinephrine) affects arousal, not memory directly. Dopaminergic drugs treat Parkinson's, not Alzheimer's cognitive deficits. GABAergic drugs (e.g., benzodiazepines) inhibit cognition, worsening memory. Serotonergic agents target mood, not memory. The cholinergic deficit is a hallmark of Alzheimer's pathology, and augmenting this system remains a primary therapeutic strategy, validated by clinical outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Hyperkalemia (potassium 5.9 mEq/L) is treated emergently with glucose and insulin, which drive potassium into cells, temporarily lowering serum levels . Insulin facilitates this shift by enhancing cellular uptake, paired with glucose to prevent hypoglycemia—accurate and clear for the wife. Choice B misstates that potassium is excreted via blood sugar; it's redistributed, not eliminated. Choice C compares insulin to Kayexalate (which binds potassium in the gut), but safety isn't the primary rationale. Choice D incorrectly suggests renal excretion, which isn't insulin's role (diuretics or dialysis do that). Choice A explains the mechanism correctly, addressing the wife's confusion with scientific clarity.