What does a patient need to avoid while taking Angiotensin-converting enzymes?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Patients taking Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors should avoid salt substitutes, foods high in potassium, and foods high in sodium. Salt substitutes often contain potassium chloride, which may cause an increase in potassium levels when combined with ACE inhibitors. Foods high in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, spinach, and potatoes, can also potentially elevate potassium levels when consumed in large amounts. Additionally, foods high in sodium can counteract the effects of ACE inhibitors in managing blood pressure. Therefore, it is important for patients on ACE inhibitors to be mindful of their intake of salt substitutes, high-potassium foods, and high-sodium foods to ensure the effectiveness of their medication and to prevent any potential complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Ulcerative colitis (UC) presents with bloody stools and mucosal inflammation, as seen on sigmoidoscopy. Sulfasalazine is correct-it combines 5-ASA (anti-inflammatory) and sulfapyridine (antibacterial), reducing inflammation and bacterial overgrowth in UC. Azathioprine is an immunosuppressant, lacking antibacterial action. Cyclosporine is immunosuppressive, not antibacterial. Mesalamine is anti-inflammatory only. Olsalazine (E) is similar to mesalamine. Sulfasalazine's dual action targets UC's inflammatory and microbial components, making it uniquely suited among the options for this chronic condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Prednisone, a corticosteroid, manages inflammation but risks serious side effects. Blurred vision may signal glaucoma or cataracts, ocular emergencies requiring immediate reporting to prevent vision loss. Increased appetite and weight gain are common, manageable effects of cortisol excess. Mood swings occur due to CNS effects but are less urgent unless severe. Blurred vision stands out as a rare but critical adverse reaction, linked to prednisone's long-term impact on intraocular pressure or lens opacity. Teaching this ensures early detection, aligning with corticosteroid monitoring where eye complications can escalate fast. Appetite, weight, and mood changes, while disruptive, don't match this urgency, making C the priority side effect for the client to report promptly.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Digoxin belongs to the class of drugs known as cardiac glycosides. Cardiac glycosides are a group of compounds derived from plants and some animals that have the ability to increase the contractility of the heart muscle. Digoxin is commonly used to treat conditions such as congestive heart failure and irregular heart rhythms. It works by inhibiting the sodium-potassium pump in heart muscle cells, leading to an increase in intracellular calcium levels and subsequently improving the heart's pumping ability.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Gentamicin is associated with nephrotoxicity, particularly when administered in high doses or for prolonged periods.