An older adult client is being discharged after a myocardial infarction (MI) and receives a new prescription for atenolol. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to include in this client's teaching plan?
Avoid driving or operating machinery.
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
Standing slowly when getting up from bed.
Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Avoid driving or operating machinery: Drowsiness and dizziness can occur with atenolol, especially when initiating therapy, but these effects are usually mild. While it's reasonable to use caution initially, this is not the most critical teaching point compared to orthostatic safety.
B. Take a missed dose as soon as possible: Although this may seem helpful, patients should not double doses or take extra doses close together. If a significant amount of time has passed, the missed dose may need to be skipped to prevent bradycardia or hypotension.
C. Standing slowly when getting up from bed: Atenolol, a beta-blocker, can cause orthostatic hypotension, especially in older adults. Teaching the client to rise slowly helps reduce the risk of dizziness and falls, making this a high-priority safety instruction following discharge.
D. Avoid intake of alcoholic beverages: Alcohol may enhance the hypotensive effects of beta-blockers, but moderate consumption is not strictly contraindicated. This advice is relevant but less urgent than preventing injury from orthostatic hypotension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. May stop taking medication if no symptoms of GI discomfort: Pantoprazole is prescribed prophylactically in burn clients to prevent stress ulcers, not just to treat existing symptoms. Stopping it without medical advice could increase the risk of serious complications like gastric bleeding.
B. Explain that pantoprazole may be taken with or without food: Pantoprazole, a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), can be taken without regard to meals. Educating the client on flexible timing improves adherence and reduces confusion about the medication regimen.
C. Teach the client about risk of developing a Curling's ulcer: Severe burns increase the risk of Curling’s ulcer, a stress-related gastric ulcer. Explaining this risk helps the client understand the preventative role of pantoprazole in their overall care plan.
D. Discuss the risk of gastric bleeding related to severe burns: Gastric bleeding is a serious, potentially life-threatening complication associated with stress ulcers in burn patients. Teaching the client about this risk provides a clear rationale for continuing pantoprazole therapy.
E. Tell how pantoprazole effectively heals ulcers: While pantoprazole can treat ulcers, in this case it is prescribed to prevent ulcer formation rather than to heal an existing ulcer. The teaching should focus on prevention, not healing.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Schedule the medication to be given just before bedtime: Pyridostigmine should be timed to coincide with periods of increased activity, especially before meals, to improve muscle strength. Giving it at bedtime would not offer functional benefit unless the client experiences nighttime symptoms.
B. Break the medication into small pieces and sprinkle onto food: Pyridostigmine tablets are not designed to be crushed or split unless specifically directed. Altering the form may affect its absorption and reduce its effectiveness in managing symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
C. Instruct the client to avoid dairy products for at least 30 minutes: Dairy does not interfere significantly with the absorption or action of pyridostigmine. Dietary restrictions should be based on known drug-food interactions, which are not typically associated with pyridostigmine and dairy.
D. Administer the medication thirty minutes prior to meals: Administering pyridostigmine before meals helps enhance swallowing and chewing abilities, reducing the risk of aspiration. This timing optimizes muscle strength during eating, which is a high-risk activity for clients with myasthenia gravis.
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