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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Caution when changing from a sitting to a standing position. B. Ambulate using a four point cane or a walker with wheels. C. Place small rugs on smooth surfaces such as tile or wood floors. D. Obtain a hospital bed with side rails and an over bed trapeze.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Caution when changing from a sitting to a standing position: Carbidopa-levodopa can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness and falls. Teaching the client to rise slowly and carefully helps prevent sudden drops in blood pressure and significantly reduces the risk of injury.

B. Ambulate using a four point cane or a walker with wheels: Assistive devices can help with mobility in Parkinson’s disease, but their use should be based on a physical therapist’s evaluation. Not every client will immediately require a walker or cane upon starting treatment.

C. Place small rugs on smooth surfaces such as tile or wood floors: Small rugs actually increase the risk of tripping and falling, especially for clients with Parkinson’s disease, who already have gait instability. It is safer to remove rugs rather than add them.

D. Obtain a hospital bed with side rails and an over bed trapeze: A hospital bed with side rails and an overbed trapeze might be necessary for clients with advanced Parkinson's disease who have significant mobility limitations or require assistance with repositioning in bed. However, for a newly diagnosed client, this level of equipment is likely unnecessary and could foster dependence.

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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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis receives a prescription for pyridostigmine. Which intervention should the nurse implement when preparing to administer this medication?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client recently diagnosed with Parkinson's disease receives a new prescription for carbidopa-levodopa. To reduce the client's risk for injury, which instruction should the nurse provide?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

To control asthma, a client in a residential treatment facility uses a fluticasone propionate and salmeterol discus inhalation system, which provides an inhaled powdered form of these combined medications. Which instruction should the nurse provide to this client's caregivers?

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