A patient who is taking albendazole reports experiencing fatigue, nausea, and dark urine. The nurse observes a yellowing of the patient’s skin and sclera.
Which laboratory result should the nurse review?

Choice A rationale

While a family history of mental illness is important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression, it is not the most important information when the client is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Family history can provide insight into the client’s risk factors for depression, but it does not directly impact the safety or efficacy of duloxetine.

Choice B rationale

Weight change in the last month is not the most important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. While significant weight changes can be a symptom of depression and should be monitored, they do not directly impact the safety or efficacy of duloxetine.

Choice C rationale

Liver function laboratory results are the most important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine.

Duloxetine is metabolized in the liver, and abnormal liver function can affect the metabolism and elimination of the drug, potentially leading to increased side effects or decreased effectiveness. Therefore, it is crucial to assess liver function before and during treatment with duloxetine.

Choice D rationale

While recent use of other antidepressants is important information to obtain when planning care for a client with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine, it is not the most important information. This information can help prevent drug interactions and serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. However, liver function has a more direct impact on the safety and efficacy of duloxetine.

Choice A rationale

Risedronate is a type of medication known as a bisphosphonate, which is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. It works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures. It’s important to take risedronate correctly to ensure it works effectively. One key instruction is that it should be taken with a full glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. This is because food and beverages can decrease the amount of risedronate absorbed by the body. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication.

Choice B rationale

Withholding the medication until the client’s breakfast tray is available on the unit would not be the best action. This is because risedronate needs to be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Waiting for the breakfast tray could delay the administration of the medication and potentially decrease its effectiveness.

Choice C rationale

Consulting with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats is not the best action. As mentioned earlier, risedronate should be taken at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Taking it after eating could decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed by the body, reducing its effectiveness.

Choice D rationale

Assigning an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low-fat milk is not the correct action. This is because risedronate should be taken with a full glass of plain water, not milk. In fact, taking risedronate with milk could decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed by the body.