A client is receiving metronidazole for Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis. Which information should the nurse include in this client's medication teaching plan?
Keep medication refrigerated.
Drink a liter of water daily.
Take one hour after eating.
Avoid the use of alcohol.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Keep medication refrigerated:
Metronidazole tablets do not typically require refrigeration. Storing the medication at room temperature is usually sufficient. Refrigeration may not be necessary and could potentially lead to confusion or unnecessary inconvenience for the client.
B) Drink a liter of water daily:
While maintaining hydration is generally important for overall health, there's no specific requirement to drink a liter of water daily solely because of metronidazole therapy. However, encouraging adequate fluid intake is beneficial to prevent dehydration, especially if diarrhea is present due to Clostridium difficile infection.
C) Take one hour after eating:
Metronidazole can be taken with or without food. It's generally well tolerated with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. However, taking it with food or on an empty stomach does not significantly affect its effectiveness.
D) Avoid the use of alcohol:
This is the correct answer. Consuming alcohol while taking metronidazole can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, characterized by symptoms such as flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. This reaction occurs because metronidazole inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to its accumulation in the body when alcohol is consumed. Therefore, it's crucial to advise clients to abstain from alcohol during metronidazole therapy and for at least 48 hours after completing the course of treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Avoid taking the medication on an empty stomach:
While it’s generally recommended to take lithium carbonate with food or milk to minimize gastrointestinal side effects, taking it on an empty stomach does not pose a significant risk. Therefore, it is not the most crucial instruction to emphasize to the client.
B) Maintain a fluid intake of 1,500 to 3,000 mL per day:
This instruction is crucial because lithium can cause dehydration, especially if the client becomes dehydrated due to increased sweating or decreased fluid intake. Adequate fluid intake helps maintain stable lithium levels in the blood and reduces the risk of toxicity. Emphasizing the importance of maintaining hydration is essential for clients taking lithium.
C) Report fluctuations in weight to the healthcare provider:
Weight fluctuations can indicate changes in fluid balance or other metabolic effects of lithium. While it’s important for the client to report changes in weight, this instruction is not as critical as ensuring adequate fluid intake, which directly affects lithium levels and toxicity risk.
D) Keep medication fliers for frequent review and reference:
While it’s helpful for clients to have medication information for reference, this instruction is more about general medication adherence and education rather than a specific requirement related to lithium carbonate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Colorectal cancer:
While a history of colorectal cancer is important to note in a client’s medical history, it is not typically a contraindication for estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy may even have benefits in terms of reducing the risk of colorectal cancer in some cases. However, the primary concern in this scenario is the client’s history of pulmonary embolism, which presents a significant risk factor for adverse outcomes with estrogen therapy.
B) Pulmonary embolism:
A history of pulmonary embolism is a significant contraindication for estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen therapy increases the risk of thromboembolic events, and individuals with a history of pulmonary embolism are already predisposed to such events. Administering estrogen replacement therapy to a client with a history of pulmonary embolism could further increase the risk of recurrent embolism or deep vein thrombosis, leading to potentially life-threatening complications.
C) Dyspareunia:
Dyspareunia, or painful sexual intercourse, is a symptom commonly associated with menopause and may be an indication for estrogen replacement therapy. However, it is not a contraindication for treatment unless there are other complicating factors that need to be considered.
D) Osteoporosis:
Osteoporosis, characterized by decreased bone density and increased susceptibility to fractures, is often treated with estrogen replacement therapy to help maintain bone health and reduce the risk of fractures. While it is important to consider the client’s osteoporosis diagnosis when initiating estrogen therapy, it is not typically a contraindication for treatment unless there are other specific concerns or complications present.
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