When the nurse is reviewing a list of medications taken by an 88-year-old patient, the patient says, 'I get dizzy when I stand up.' She also states that she has nearly fainted 'a time or two' in the afternoons. Her systolic blood pressure drops 15 points when she stands up. Which type of medication may be responsible for these effects?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Orthostatic hypotension, characterized by dizziness and a drop in blood pressure upon standing, is a common side effect of antihypertensive medications. These medications lower blood pressure, which can lead to reduced cerebral perfusion and dizziness when the patient changes positions. NSAIDs, cardiac glycosides, and anticoagulants are less likely to cause orthostatic hypotension. Therefore, the nurse should consider antihypertensive medications as the most likely cause of the patient's symptoms and assess the need for dosage adjustments or alternative treatments.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Montelukast is commonly administered orally, which stands for "per os" meaning by mouth. This medication is available in tablet, chewable tablet, and oral granule formulations for easy ingestion. It is not administered intravenously (IV), intramuscularly (IM), or subcutaneously (SubQ) as it is primarily used for oral administration to treat asthma and allergic rhinitis.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Cyanide toxicity from smoke inhalation blocks cytochrome oxidase. Sodium nitrite oxidizes hemoglobin iron to methemoglobin, which binds cyanide, reducing toxicity. Urine pH , chelation , inactivation , and enzyme regeneration (E) don't apply. This shifts cyanide away from mitochondria, aiding recovery.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Anatomy, physiology, and microbiology provide foundational knowledge for pharmacology, enabling nurses to understand drug actions, interactions, and patient responses, ultimately enhancing patient care through informed medication administration. Pharmacology as an outgrowth oversimplifies its integration with these sciences. Curriculum mandates explain requirements but not their value. Understanding these subjects is essential, yet the broader goal is applying this to care, not just comprehension. Linking them to patient outcomes-like knowing how antibiotics target bacteria (microbiology) or how drugs affect organs (anatomy/physiology)-grounds pharmacology in practical, holistic nursing practice, making it the strongest rationale.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The therapeutic range for lithium is generally considered to be 0.6-1.2 mmol/L (which is equivalent to 0.6-1.2 mEq/L). However, some sources may state a slightly wider range of 0.5-1.5 mEq/L. It is important to note that individual patient factors and clinical judgment should also be considered when interpreting lithium levels. Levels below the therapeutic range may be subtherapeutic and not provide the desired therapeutic effect, while levels above the range may result in toxicity and adverse effects. Monitoring lithium levels regularly is important to ensure they remain within the therapeutic range.