When reviewing the health history of a patient, the nurse will note that a potential contraindication to potassium supplements exists if the patient has which problem?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Potassium supplements are contraindicated in patients with renal disease because impaired kidney function can lead to the inability to adequately excrete potassium. This can result in potentially dangerous hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) in the bloodstream, which can cause serious cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, patients with renal disease should be cautious when taking potassium supplements or may need to avoid them altogether to prevent complications.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Lithium is a medication commonly used to treat bipolar disorder. One of the major side effects of lithium therapy is the risk of developing seizures, especially when the blood level of lithium becomes too high (lithium toxicity). Therefore, it is crucial to monitor patients on lithium therapy for signs of seizures, such as convulsions, loss of consciousness, or twitching. Monitoring lithium levels regularly and adjusting the dosage as needed can help reduce the risk of seizures in patients taking this medication.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Weight loss, tachycardia, and goitre suggest hyperthyroidism (e.g., Graves'). Verapamil controls rate but not thyroid function. Radioactive iodine (131I) treats long-term, not immediately. Carbamazepine is for seizures, L-thyroxine worsens hyperthyroidism. Atenolol, a beta-blocker, immediately reduces tachycardia and symptoms by blocking adrenergic effects, suitable for acute management while awaiting antithyroid drugs (e.g., propylthiouracil). Its symptomatic relief is critical in hyperthyroid crises.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Levothyroxine replaces thyroid hormone, requiring optimal absorption for efficacy. Taking it on an empty stomach in the morning avoids interference from food (e.g., calcium, iron), which reduces uptake, ensuring consistent T4 levels. With breakfast or dinner , absorption drops due to dietary interactions, risking subtherapeutic effects. At bedtime is viable but less ideal if food was recent, and morning aligns with circadian thyroid function. This timing leverages levothyroxine's pharmacokinetics'long half-life but sensitivity to gut contents'maximizing bioavailability. Instructing this prevents treatment failure in hypothyroidism, where precise dosing matters, making C the best time for administration and client education.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, typically requires 2 to 6 weeks to achieve full therapeutic effect, as it gradually increases neurotransmitter levels (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) in the brain to alleviate depression. After only 2 weeks, the patient's continued symptoms are expected, not indicative of failure, making choice A the best response: it educates the patient on the timeline, fostering adherence. Choice B dismisses the patient's feelings with subjective reassurance, undermining trust. Choice C prematurely suggests switching drugs without evidence, risking unnecessary changes. Choice D exaggerates the timeline to months, which is inaccurate and discouraging. The nurse's role is to provide accurate information and support, reinforcing that delayed onset is normal for this class of medication, thus making choice A the most therapeutic and evidence-based response.