The student nurse is studying for a pharmacology exam and notices that many of the adrenergic blocking antagonists drugs studied in class have what suffix?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The suffix -lol is seen in many of the drug names for adrenergic blocking antagonists. The suffix -aine would indicate a topical anesthetic, whereas -azole indicates an antifungal, and the suffix -triptan relates to the triptans. The nurse should be familiar with drug name suffixes to aid in identifying drug classes and their therapeutic uses.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Phenytoin risks gingival hyperplasia, making oral hygiene vital'brushing and flossing prevent this, showing teaching success. Alcohol increases seizure risk and drug levels. Milk reduces absorption via calcium binding. Stopping after a month risks recurrence, as seizures require long-term control. Regular dental care mitigates a common, chronic side effect, aligning with phenytoin's long-term use and metabolism (CYP450 saturation). This statement reflects understanding of self-care, critical for adherence and complication prevention, making B the indicator of effective education.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: One of the early signs of hypokalemia is muscle weakness. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining normal muscle function, including the contraction of skeletal and smooth muscles. A deficiency in potassium can lead to muscle weakness, cramping, and fatigue. It is important for the nurse to monitor any signs of muscle weakness in a patient at risk for hypokalemia as it can progress to more severe complications if left untreated. Seizures and cardiac dysrhythmias are more severe manifestations of hypokalemia that can occur if the condition is not promptly addressed. However, muscle weakness is often an early and noticeable sign that can alert healthcare providers to the need for intervention.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Atropine belongs to the therapeutic class of antiarrhythmics. It is commonly used to treat and prevent certain types of abnormal heart rhythms, including bradycardia (slow heart rate) and heart block. Atropine works by blocking acetylcholine receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate and improved conduction of electrical impulses in the heart. This helps to restore normal heart rhythm and improve cardiac function in patients with specific arrhythmias.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prednisone is intermediate-acting (12-36 hours), not long-acting like dexamethasone, so that's false. Methotrexate benefits some prednisone-dependent asthmatics, not all studies, making that false. Cyclosporin's toxicity (e.g., nephrotoxicity) limits its anti-asthmatic use, a true statement, despite immunosuppressive potential. Nifedipine has minimal effect on exercise-induced bronchoconstriction, unlike inhaled CCBs, so that's false. Macrolides show some benefit in asthma. Cyclosporin's limitation reflects its risk-benefit profile, restricting its practical use.