The nurse is instructing a patient who will take psyllium (Metamucil) to treat constipation.
What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient?
The need to monitor for systemic side effects.
The need to use the dry form of Metamucil to prevent cramping.
The importance of consuming adequate amounts of water.
The onset of action of 30 to 60 minutes after administration.
The Correct Answer is C
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are drugs that block the enzyme that produces hydrochloric acid in the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of acid secreted into the lumen. PPIs are commonly used to treat peptic ulcer disease and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Choice B. Histamine-2 antagonist is wrong because histamine-2 antagonists (H blockers) are drugs that block the action of histamine on the parietal cells of the stomach, thereby reducing the amount of acid secreted into the lumen.
However, PPIs are more potent and effective than H blockers in suppressing acid secretion.
Choice C. Prostaglandin is wrong because prostaglandins are substances that protect the stomach lining from the damaging effects of acid and other factors.
Prostaglandins do not directly affect the secretion of acid into the lumen, but they may increase the production of mucus and bicarbonate that buffer the acid.
Choice D. Antipeptic agent is wrong because antipeptic agents are drugs that form a protective barrier over the ulcer crater, preventing further damage from acid and pepsin.
Antipeptic agents do not affect the secretion of acid into the lumen, but they may enhance healing by creating a favorable environment for tissue repair.
Normal ranges for hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach are 1.5 to 3.5 liters per day, with a pH of 1.5 to 3.53.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This is an antithyroid medication that can be used safely during pregnancy, as it has a lower risk of causing birth defects or fetal hypothyroidism than other drugs. Propylthiouracil inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones and also blocks their conversion to the more active form.
Choice A is wrong because radioactive iodine is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can cross the placenta and damage the fetal thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine is used to destroy overactive thyroid cells and treat hyperthyroidism.
Choice B is wrong because alendronate is not an antithyroid medication, but a bisphosphonate that is used to treat osteoporosis and prevent bone loss.
Alendronate should not be used during pregnancy, as it may affect fetal bone development and mineralization.
Choice D is wrong because methimazole is another antithyroid medication, but it is not the drug of choice for pregnant women, as it has a higher risk of causing birth defects or fetal hypothyroidism than propylthiouracil.
Methimazole also inhibits the synthesis of thyroid hormones, but does not block their conversion to the more active form.
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