The nurse is caring for a client who works night shift from 22:00 to 06:00 and normally sleeps from 08:00 (8 AM) until 16:00 (4 PM) each day.
The nurse should teach this client to take the prescribed corticosteroid at what time of the day?

Dronabinol is a synthetic cannabinoid that can cause psychoactive effects such as euphoria, anxiety, hallucinations, and paranoia. The nurse should monitor the client’s mental status after administering the drug and report any changes or adverse reactions.

Choice A is wrong because dronabinol does not affect the heart rate significantly.

Choice B is wrong because dronabinol may lower or raise the blood pressure depending on the dose and the individual response, but this is not a priority assessment.

Choice D is wrong because dronabinol does not affect the skin integrity directly.

The correct answer is c. The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water.

Rationale for Choice A:

• Statement:The need to monitor for systemic side effects.
• Rationale:It's not accurate to prioritize monitoring for systemic side effects when teaching a patient about psyllium (Metamucil).Psyllium is a bulk-forming laxative that primarily acts within the gastrointestinal tract,and systemic side effects are rare.While it's essential to be aware of potential side effects,focusing on them during initial teaching might cause unnecessary anxiety.

Rationale for Choice B:

• Statement:The need to use the dry form of Metamucil to prevent cramping.
• Rationale:This statement is incorrect.It's generally recommended to mix psyllium with water or another liquid before ingestion.Consuming the dry form can increase the risk of choking and might not adequately hydrate stool.

Rationale for Choice C:

• Statement:The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water.
• Rationale:This is the most crucial information to emphasize when teaching about psyllium.Psyllium works by absorbing water and forming a bulky gel that softens stool and promotes bowel movements.Without sufficient water intake,psyllium can cause constipation to worsen or lead to intestinal obstruction.

Rationale for Choice D:

• Statement:The onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
• Rationale:This statement is inaccurate.Psyllium is not a fast-acting laxative.It typically takes 12-72 hours to produce a bowel movement.Informing patients about the expected time frame for results is essential to manage expectations and prevent unnecessary medication overuse.