After a change-of-shift report, the nurse needs to prioritize care for four clients. Who should the nurse attend to first?

 

Choice A rationale

Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The sustained-release tablets are designed to release the medication slowly in the body. Therefore, patients are advised to consume the medication in its entirety. Crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Choice B rationale

While it’s generally a good idea to store medications in a cool, dry place, specific storage instructions for diltiazem sustained-release tablets are not typically emphasized. The focus is more on the method of consumption.

Choice C rationale

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with diltiazem and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Therefore, it’s not advisable to accompany the medication with grapefruit juice.

Choice D rationale

Diltiazem can be taken with or without food. If it upsets the patient’s stomach, it can be taken with food. However, it’s not a mandatory instruction that the medication must be administered during meals.

Choice A rationale

While it’s important to prepare for a colonoscopy by cleaning out the colon, drinking full liquids until 6 hours before the procedure may not be recommended. The colon needs to be empty to allow the doctor to view it clearly during the colonoscopy. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice B rationale

Moderate sedation is often used during a colonoscopy. This means you’ll be relaxed and somewhat drowsy, but you’ll still be awake. You might not remember much about the actual procedure because of the sedative. Therefore, this choice is correct.

Choice C rationale

During a colonoscopy, you will likely start by lying on your left side. However, you may be asked to adjust your position during the procedure to allow the doctor to better examine certain parts of your colon. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.

Choice D rationale

Warming the liquid bowel preparation before drinking it is not typically recommended. The bowel preparation involves drinking a solution that helps clear out the colon, but it doesn’t need to be warmed. Therefore, this choice is incorrect.