A nurse is caring for four clients for whom she has to administer oral medications in the morning. The nurse should administer which of the following medications before breakfast?
Levothyroxine
Digoxin
Divalproex
Mycostatin mouthwash
The Correct Answer is A
A. Levothyroxine
Correct Answer: Levothyroxine should be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. It needs to be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before eating, to ensure proper absorption. Food can interfere with its absorption, especially foods containing calcium, iron, and fiber.
B. Digoxin
Incorrect Explanation: Digoxin does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Digoxin is a medication used to treat heart conditions like congestive heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It doesn't have specific instructions regarding administration in relation to meals. It's important to administer digoxin consistently at the same time every day, but it doesn't need to be taken specifically before or after breakfast.
C. Divalproex
Incorrect Explanation: Divalproex does not need to be administered before breakfast.
Explanation: Divalproex is used to treat conditions like epilepsy and bipolar disorder. It can be taken with or without food. While taking it with food might reduce the likelihood of stomach upset, there's no requirement to take it specifically before breakfast.
D. Mycostatin Mouthwash
Incorrect Explanation: Mycostatin mouthwash is not related to breakfast timing.
Explanation: Mycostatin is an antifungal medication used to treat fungal infections in the mouth (oral thrush). Its administration is not linked to meal times. It's typically swished around in the mouth and then swallowed or spit out, depending on the specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Kidneys are very small and irregular.
Explanation: This statement is not the primary reason for instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury in babies or children under 2 years old. While it is true that infant and toddler kidneys are relatively smaller and have a slightly different shape compared to adult kidneys, the main concern for kidney injury prevention in this age group is related to other factors.
B) The occurrence of Hirsutism.
Explanation: Hirsutism refers to excessive hair growth, typically in a male pattern, in women and children. It is not directly related to kidney injury prevention in babies or children under 2 years old. Hirsutism is usually caused by hormonal imbalances and is not a primary consideration when instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury.
C) Diaper rashes.
Explanation: Diaper rashes are skin irritations that occur in the diaper area of infants and young children. While diaper rashes can be uncomfortable and require proper care, they are not a major concern when instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury. Diaper rashes are typically a result of prolonged exposure to moisture and can be managed with good hygiene practices and appropriate diaper-changing routines.
D) Children under two years old are more vulnerable to kidney trauma from compression force to abdomen.
Explanation: This statement is true and is the main reason for instructing caregivers about preventing kidney injury in babies or children under 2 years old. Children in this age group have relatively larger abdomens and less developed abdominal muscles, which makes their kidneys more susceptible to injury from compression forces to the abdomen. This is why caregivers are advised to handle young children carefully, avoid rough play, and ensure that they are securely fastened in car seats and other safety devices to prevent potential kidney trauma.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Digoxin is a medication commonly used to treat certain heart conditions, including some congenital heart defects. It's important to monitor the heart rate and other signs of toxicity when administering digoxin, especially in pediatric patients. Let's break down the information given:
The pediatric maintenance dose of digoxin is 5 mcg/kg daily.
The child weighs 55 pounds (approximately 25 kg).
Given these values, the total daily dose for this child would be:
Total daily dose = 5 mcg/kg × 25 kg = 125 mcg
This total daily dose is usually given as a single dose. However, the child's heart rate is noted to be only 50 beats per minute (bpm). A heart rate of 50 bpm in a child could potentially indicate bradycardia (slow heart rate), which can be a sign of digoxin toxicity. Bradycardia is a known adverse effect of digoxin, and it's important to assess for other signs of toxicity as well, such as nausea, vomiting, and changes in color vision.
In this case, it would be prudent to withhold the digoxin and assess the child further for signs of toxicity or bradycardia. The dose should not be administered until the healthcare provider is consulted and appropriate action is determined.
So, the correct answer is indeed NO. Administering the digoxin without considering the slow heart rate and the potential for toxicity could be unsafe for the child.
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