A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic. The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home. Which action should the nurse take?

Encourage the client to wait until bedtime to take the medication.

Remind the client to drink plenty of fluids when taking the medication.

Advise the client to take the medication with the noon meal.

Explain that the client needs to allow for sleep time of at least two hours.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Zolpidem is a hypnotic drug that induces sleep by enhancing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity. Zolpidem is used to treat insomnia, or difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. Zolpidem should be taken only at bedtime, when the client is ready to go to sleep and can devote at least seven to eight hours for uninterrupted sleep. Taking zolpidem during the day can cause excessive sedation, drowsiness, confusion, memory loss, and impaired coordination. Therefore, the nurse should encourage the client to wait until bedtime to take the medication and avoid daytime naps.

Choice B reason: Reminding the client to drink plenty of fluids when taking the medication is not an action that the nurse should take in this situation, but rather a general recommendation that applies to most medications. Drinking fluids can help to prevent dehydration, flush out toxins, and maintain kidney function. However, drinking fluids is not specific to zolpidem and does not affect its absorption or metabolism.

Choice C reason: Advising the client to take the medication with the noon meal is not an action that the nurse should take in this situation, but rather a harmful suggestion that can reduce the effectiveness of zolpidem and increase its side effects. Taking zolpidem with food can delay its onset of action and make it less potent. Taking zolpidem at noon can also interfere with the client's circadian rhythm, or natural sleep-wake cycle, and cause daytime sleepiness and nighttime insomnia.

Choice D reason: Explaining that the client needs to allow for sleep time of at least two hours is not an action that the nurse should take in this situation, but rather an inaccurate and insufficient information that can mislead the client and endanger their safety. Zolpidem has a half-life of about two hours, which means that half of its dose is eliminated from the body in two hours. However, this does not mean that its effects wear off in two hours. Zolpidem can still cause residual sedation and impairment for several hours after taking it. The client needs to allow for sleep time of at least seven to eight hours when taking zolpidem, not just two hours.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hematemesis is the vomiting of blood, which can indicate a serious gastrointestinal bleeding caused by ibuprofen. This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, the nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Choice B reason: Insomnia is the difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep. It can be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is not as serious or urgent as hematemesis. The nurse can advise the client to take ibuprofen with food or milk, avoid caffeine and alcohol, and practice good sleep hygiene.

Choice C reason: Dizziness is the feeling of lightheadedness, faintness, or unsteadiness. It can also be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is usually mild and transient. The nurse can instruct the client to rise slowly from a sitting or lying position, drink plenty of fluids, and avoid driving or operating machinery if dizzy.

Choice D reason: Nausea is the feeling of discomfort or unease in the stomach that may lead to vomiting. It can also be a side effect of ibuprofen, but it is usually manageable with simple measures. The nurse can suggest the client to take ibuprofen with food or milk, eat small and frequent meals, and avoid spicy or fatty foods.

A. Implement neutropenic precautions. B. Inform the client that the medication has been effective. C. Review the client's culture and sensitivity reports. D. Assess the client's vital signs.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Neutropenic precautions are necessary when the WBC count is critically low, typically below the normal range. Since the client’s WBC count is now within the normal range, these precautions are no longer required.

Choice B reason: Filgrastim is designed to increase white blood cell (WBC) production in individuals with neutropenia. In this case, the client’s WBC count has increased from 2,500/mm³ (2.5 x 10⁹/L) to 5,000/mm³ (5 x 10⁹/L), reaching the lower limit of the normal reference range (5,000 to 10,000/mm³ or 5 to 10 x 10⁹/L). This indicates that the medication has achieved its desired effect, and it is appropriate to inform the client of this positive outcome.

Choice C reason:reason: Reviewing culture and sensitivity reports would be relevant if there was evidence of infection or a need to evaluate ongoing treatment for an infection. This is not indicated by the scenario provided.

Choice D reason: While assessing vital signs is generally important, there is no indication in this scenario that an acute issue requiring immediate vital sign monitoring is present.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking ibuprofen. Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 109/L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 109/L). Which action should the nurse implement? White Blood Cell (WBC) [Reference Range: 5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse notes that the client's morning carbamazepine level was 8.4 mg/L (35.6 mcmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?

An older adult with iron deficiency anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate enteric-coated tablets. To promote best absorption of the medication, which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?

A client with heart failure (HF) develops hyperaldosteronism and spironolactone is prescribed. Which instruction should the nurse include in this client's plan of care?

The nurse initiates an infusion of piperacillin-tazobactam for a client with a urinary tract infection. Five minutes into the infusion, the client reports not feeling well. Which client manifestation should the nurse identify as a reason to stop the infusion?