When caring for a client prescribed Lithium, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to assess for potential toxicity?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse should monitor the client's serum lithium levels to ensure they are within the therapeutic range and to assess for potential toxicity. Monitoring serum lithium levels is crucial because lithium has a narrow therapeutic range, and levels outside this range can lead to toxicity, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, regular monitoring is essential to prevent adverse effects and ensure the medication's effectiveness.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Rationale: The correct answer is C) Take this medication on an empty stomach. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine. It is crucial for the medication to be absorbed effectively in the body to achieve therapeutic effects. Taking Levothyroxine on an empty stomach, usually in the morning at least 30 minutes before eating, ensures optimal absorption as food can interfere with its uptake. Therefore, instructing the client to take this medication on an empty stomach will help maintain consistent blood levels of the drug. Option A) Take this medication with food is incorrect as it contradicts the need for an empty stomach for optimal absorption of Levothyroxine. Option B) Take this medication at bedtime is incorrect as Levothyroxine should be taken in the morning to prevent potential interference with sleep patterns due to its stimulating effects. Option D) Take this medication with antacids is incorrect because antacids can interfere with the absorption of Levothyroxine, reducing its effectiveness. In an educational context, understanding the importance of proper medication administration is crucial for nursing practice. Nurses must have a solid foundation in pharmacology to provide accurate and safe medication administration instructions to patients, optimizing therapeutic outcomes and preventing potential complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct instruction to include when a client is prescribed Furosemide is to change positions slowly. Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to orthostatic hypotension, causing dizziness and increasing the risk of falls. By advising the client to change positions slowly, the nurse helps prevent these potential adverse effects.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of pharmacology, understanding the side effects of medications is crucial for safe and effective patient care. In this scenario, the nurse should instruct the client to monitor for bradycardia when taking Atenolol, which is a beta-blocker that slows down the heart rate. By monitoring for bradycardia, the client can catch this potential adverse effect early and seek medical attention if necessary. Regarding the other options: A) Tachycardia: Atenolol is actually used to treat tachycardia by slowing down the heart rate, so this would not be an expected adverse effect. B) Hypoglycemia: While beta-blockers can mask the symptoms of hypoglycemia, they do not typically cause hypoglycemia directly. Monitoring blood glucose levels would be important for clients with diabetes but not necessarily a primary concern with Atenolol. D) Hypertension: Atenolol is indicated for the treatment of hypertension, so developing hypertension would not be an expected adverse effect of this medication. Educationally, this question highlights the importance of understanding the pharmacological actions of medications and their potential side effects. It emphasizes the need for nurses to educate clients on how to monitor for and recognize adverse effects to promote safe medication use and optimal patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial for nurses to understand the potential adverse effects of medications to ensure patient safety. In the case of Lisinopril, a common adverse effect to monitor for is a dry cough. This occurs due to the medication's effect on bradykinin levels, leading to irritation in the respiratory tract. Option A, dry cough, is the correct answer because it is a well-known side effect of ACE inhibitors like Lisinopril. Monitoring for this adverse effect is important as it can be bothersome for the patient and may lead to non-adherence to the medication regimen. Options B, C, and D are incorrect because weight gain, diarrhea, and nausea are not typically associated with Lisinopril. Weight gain is not a common side effect of this medication, and gastrointestinal disturbances like diarrhea and nausea are less common compared to the dry cough. In an educational context, understanding the potential adverse effects of medications helps nurses provide comprehensive care to their patients. By knowing which side effects to monitor for, nurses can promptly identify and address any issues that may arise, ensuring patient safety and medication effectiveness.