A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following medications should the nurse anticipate to his client? (Select All that Apply)

Choice A reason:

Keeping supplies on hand to treat hypoglycemic episodes is crucial for clients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can occur suddenly and needs immediate treatment to prevent severe complications such as loss of consciousness or seizures. Supplies such as glucose tablets, juice, or candy can quickly raise blood sugar levels. The American Diabetes Association recommends that individuals with diabetes always carry a source of fast-acting carbohydrate to treat hypoglycemia. This proactive approach ensures that clients can manage their condition effectively and reduce the risk of severe hypoglycemic events.

Choice B reason:

Increasing exercise can help with hypoglycemia is not an appropriate statement. While regular exercise is beneficial for managing diabetes overall, it can actually increase the risk of hypoglycemia, especially if not properly managed. Exercise increases insulin sensitivity, which can lower blood glucose levels. Therefore, clients need to monitor their blood sugar levels before, during, and after exercise and adjust their carbohydrate intake or insulin dosage accordingly. Advising increased exercise without proper guidance on managing blood sugar levels can be dangerous for clients with type 1 diabetes.

Choice C reason:

Clients with hypoglycemia cannot participate in religious/cultural fasting is not entirely accurate. While fasting can pose challenges for individuals with diabetes, it is not impossible. Clients can participate in fasting with careful planning and medical supervision. They need to monitor their blood sugar levels more frequently and adjust their medication and food intake accordingly. Healthcare providers can work with clients to develop a plan that allows them to observe their religious or cultural practices safely. Therefore, a blanket statement that clients cannot participate in fasting is not appropriate.

Choice D reason:

Clients will usually have obvious manifestations of hypoglycemia is not always true. Hypoglycemia can present with a variety of symptoms, and not all clients will experience obvious signs. Common symptoms include shakiness, sweating, confusion, and irritability, but some individuals may have hypoglycemia unawareness, where they do not recognize the symptoms until their blood sugar levels are very low. This condition can be particularly dangerous as it increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia. Therefore, it is important for clients to regularly monitor their blood sugar levels rather than relying solely on symptoms.

Choice A Reason:

Conivaptan hydrochloride is a vasopressin receptor antagonist used to treat hyponatremia in patients with SIADH. It works by blocking the action of vasopressin, thereby promoting water excretion without significant loss of sodium. This helps to correct the water imbalance caused by SIADH. Conivaptan is typically administered intravenously and is effective in increasing serum sodium levels.

Choice B Reason:

Vasopressin, also known as antidiuretic hormone (ADH), is contraindicated in patients with SIADH because it exacerbates the condition. SIADH is characterized by excessive release of ADH, leading to water retention and hyponatremia. Administering vasopressin would further increase water reabsorption in the kidneys, worsening the hyponatremia.

Choice C Reason:

Sodium chloride tablets are used to manage hyponatremia in SIADH by increasing sodium intake. This helps to counteract the dilutional hyponatremia caused by excessive water retention. Sodium chloride tablets are often prescribed alongside fluid restriction to help raise serum sodium levels.

Choice D Reason:

Tolvaptan is another vasopressin receptor antagonist used to treat hyponatremia in SIADH. It works similarly to conivaptan by blocking the action of vasopressin, promoting water excretion, and increasing serum sodium levels. Tolvaptan is typically administered orally and is effective in managing SIADH.