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 C
Explanation
A) Serum ammonia level of 30 pg/dl (17.62 μmol /dL): Serum ammonia level is not directly affected by sodium polystyrene sulfonate administration. Ammonia levels are typically related to liver function and are not relevant in assessing the effectiveness of this medication for hyperkalemia.
B) Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L): Serum glucose level is unrelated to the action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. While hyperkalemia can sometimes lead to glucose metabolism abnormalities, the glucose level alone does not provide information about the medication's effectiveness.
C) Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L): Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, also known as Kayexalate, is a medication used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging sodium ions for potassium ions in the intestines, leading to potassium excretion through feces. A decrease in serum potassium level within the normal range indicates that the medication has been effective in lowering potassium levels, which is the intended therapeutic outcome in the context of treating hyperkalemia associated with acute kidney injury (AKI).
D) Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L): Hemoglobin level is unrelated to the action of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. It reflects the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells and is not directly influenced by potassium-lowering medications.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Advise the client to move slowly and cautiously when rising and walking: This intervention is essential because baclofen, a muscle relaxant, can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and muscle weakness as side effects. Instructing the client to move slowly and cautiously can help prevent falls and injuries due to these potential side effects.
B) Monitor intake and output every 8 hours: Monitoring intake and output is not directly related to the administration of baclofen. While it is essential to monitor fluid balance in some situations, it is not specifically indicated in this case.
C) Ensure the client knows to stop baclofen before using other antispasmodics: While it is important to avoid concurrent use of multiple antispasmodic medications without proper medical supervision, stopping baclofen abruptly without medical guidance can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Therefore, this intervention is not appropriate without further clarification from the healthcare provider.
D) Evaluate muscle strength every 4 hours: While monitoring muscle strength is essential for clients receiving muscle relaxants, such as baclofen, evaluating it every 4 hours may not be necessary unless there are specific concerns or as directed by the healthcare provider. Monitoring for signs of muscle weakness or adverse effects should be ongoing but may not require such frequent assessments.
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