When starting therapy with doxorubicin, which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to report?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: In the context of starting therapy with doxorubicin, a nurse should instruct the client to report a sore throat. This is because doxorubicin is an anthracycline chemotherapy drug that can cause severe adverse effects on the bone marrow, leading to myelosuppression and increased risk of infection. A sore throat could be an early sign of an infection, which can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients receiving chemotherapy. Hair loss (option A) and fatigue (option B) are common side effects of doxorubicin, but they are not typically considered urgent or serious enough to report immediately. Red urine (option D) is a rare but known side effect of doxorubicin, caused by the excretion of a metabolite. While it may be alarming to the client, it is not typically a cause for immediate concern unless accompanied by other symptoms. From an educational perspective, it is crucial for nurses to understand the specific adverse effects of chemotherapy drugs like doxorubicin to provide optimal patient care. Teaching clients to report early signs of infection can help prevent serious complications and improve outcomes during cancer treatment. This rationale reinforces the importance of patient education and monitoring for adverse effects in pharmacological therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In this scenario, the correct answer is B) Dyspnea. Docetaxel is a chemotherapy medication that can cause serious side effects, including respiratory issues such as dyspnea (difficulty breathing). It is crucial for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs of respiratory distress promptly, as it could indicate a potentially life-threatening reaction to the medication. A) Flushing is a common side effect of many medications, including docetaxel, but it is usually not considered a serious or urgent issue that requires immediate reporting. C) Hyperglycemia is not a common or expected side effect of docetaxel. While monitoring blood glucose levels is important during treatment, it is not a typical symptom that would warrant immediate reporting. D) Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is also not a common side effect of docetaxel. While it is important to monitor for hearing changes during chemotherapy, tinnitus is not a prominent side effect associated with this medication. Educationally, understanding the potential side effects of chemotherapy medications like docetaxel is crucial for nurses to ensure patient safety and well-being. Teaching clients to recognize and report serious side effects promptly can help prevent complications and improve outcomes during cancer treatment.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the case of a client receiving treatment with carboplatin, the nurse should primarily monitor for ototoxicity. Carboplatin is known to cause damage to the inner ear, leading to hearing loss or other auditory problems. Monitoring for signs of ototoxicity, such as tinnitus, vertigo, or hearing loss, is crucial to prevent permanent damage and adjust the treatment plan if necessary. Option A, hyperglycemia, is not directly associated with carboplatin use. While some chemotherapeutic agents can lead to metabolic disturbances, carboplatin is not typically linked to hyperglycemia. Option C, hypertension, is also not a common side effect of carboplatin. Hypertension may be a concern with other medications or conditions, but it is not a primary focus when monitoring a client on carboplatin. Option D, bradycardia, is not a typical finding associated with carboplatin. Bradycardia is more commonly linked to certain cardiac medications or conditions and is not a known side effect of carboplatin. Educationally, understanding the side effects and monitoring parameters of chemotherapeutic agents like carboplatin is crucial for nurses caring for oncology patients. By knowing the specific adverse effects of each medication, nurses can provide safe and effective care, promptly identify complications, and collaborate with the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to provide accurate instructions to clients starting new medications to ensure optimal outcomes. In the case of Metformin, it is important to take the medication with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea and diarrhea. Option A, "Take this medication with your first bite of food," is correct because it helps minimize these side effects and ensures better absorption of the drug. Option B, "Take this medication on an empty stomach," is incorrect because taking Metformin without food can lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects and may affect drug absorption. Option C, "Take this medication before bedtime," is also incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take Metformin at bedtime. Option D, "Take this medication every other day," is incorrect as Metformin is typically prescribed for daily use to maintain stable blood levels. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind the timing of medication administration is essential for safe and effective practice. Providing clear instructions to clients promotes medication adherence and reduces the risk of adverse effects. It is important for healthcare providers to stay informed about drug administration guidelines to ensure the best possible outcomes for their clients.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In pharmacology, it is crucial to understand the monitoring parameters for medications to ensure patient safety and efficacy. In the case of Clopidogrel, which is an antiplatelet medication, the correct laboratory value to monitor is the platelet count. Clopidogrel works by inhibiting platelet aggregation, so monitoring platelet count helps assess its effectiveness and potential adverse effects like thrombocytopenia. White blood cell count (Option A) is not typically monitored specifically for Clopidogrel unless there are other indications for doing so, as it is not directly related to the medication's mechanism of action. Hemoglobin (Option C) and blood glucose (Option D) are also not directly influenced by Clopidogrel and are not the primary parameters to monitor for this medication. Educationally, understanding the rationale behind monitoring specific laboratory values for different medications is crucial for nursing practice. It ensures that nurses can interpret and act on laboratory results effectively, optimizing patient care and safety. By knowing the correct parameters to monitor for Clopidogrel, nurses can provide comprehensive care and promptly identify any potential adverse effects.