The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia as the result of a gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. What discharge instruction should the nurse provide if this client is also prescribed aspirin 81 mg daily?
Take a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime.
You can take 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time.
It's ok to take the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening.
Take the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: Taking a baby aspirin with a full glass of cold water at bedtime is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in the stomach and intestines. ¹ Taking aspirin at bedtime may increase the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug and worsen the bleeding. ² Cold water may also irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort.
Choice B reason: Taking 81 mg of enteric coated aspirin with orange juice at lunch time is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Enteric coated aspirin is designed to dissolve in the small intestine, not the stomach, to reduce the risk of GI bleeding. ³ However, orange juice is acidic and may damage the coating and release the aspirin in the stomach. ⁴ This may increase the bleeding and cause pain or ulcers.
Choice C reason: Taking the aspirin with some ginseng tea in the evening is not a good discharge instruction for this client. Ginseng is an herbal supplement that may interact with aspirin and increase the risk of bleeding. ⁵ Taking the aspirin in the evening may also have the same drawbacks as taking it at bedtime, as explained in choice A.
Choice D reason: Taking the aspirin with a glass of milk or food in the morning is the best discharge instruction for this client. Milk and food can help protect the stomach lining from the irritating effects of aspirin and reduce the risk of bleeding. Taking the aspirin in the morning can also minimize the exposure of the GI mucosa to the drug during the night, when the stomach is empty and more vulnerable. ²
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Chlorthalidone and atenolol are used to treat hypertension⁴⁵. However, administering the medication when the blood pressure is 90/60 might not be advisable. This is because atenolol, a beta-blocker, can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure¹¹⁷. Therefore, it's important to monitor the patient's blood pressure before administration¹.
Choice B reason: Atenolol can slow the heart rate¹¹⁷. If the heart rate is already less than 60 beats per minute, which is the lower limit of the normal range¹, the medication should be held and the healthcare provider should be notified⁵.
Choice C reason: One of the side effects of atenolol and chlorthalidone is dizziness or lightheadedness¹¹⁷. Teaching the patient to dangle their feet before standing can help prevent orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens when you stand up from sitting or lying down¹¹.
Choice D reason: Chlorthalidone is a diuretic that can cause the body to lose potassium¹¹⁷. However, atenolol does not have this effect⁵. Therefore, it's not necessary to limit the intake of potassium-rich foods unless advised by a healthcare provider.
Choice E reason: Monitoring fluid intake and output is important when administering diuretics like chlorthalidone⁵. This can help ensure the patient is not becoming dehydrated and help monitor the medication's effectiveness¹¹.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: You feel good because your medication is working properly is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may imply that the client does not need to worry about their blood pressure or follow up with their doctor. The nurse should educate the client about the importance of regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed treatment.
Choice B reason: Your blood pressure reflects how strong your heart muscle contracts is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may confuse the client or give them a false sense of security. The nurse should explain that blood pressure is determined by the force and amount of blood pumped by the heart and the resistance of the blood vessels. The nurse should also inform the client about the normal and abnormal ranges of blood pressure and the risk factors for hypertension.
Choice C reason: Even if you are feeling good, damage can occur to your heart and kidneys is the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement conveys the seriousness of hypertension and its potential complications. The nurse should educate the client about the effects of high blood pressure on the vital organs and the need for preventive measures and lifestyle modifications.
Choice D reason: Have you told your doctor that you are feeling good is not the most appropriate statement by the nurse. This statement may suggest that the nurse is not interested in the client's condition or does not have the knowledge or authority to address their concerns. The nurse should communicate effectively with the client and the health care team and provide appropriate guidance and support.
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