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 B
Explanation
It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the airways and increasing airflow to the lungs.
However, theophylline has a narrow therapeutic range and can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia, tremors, and cardiac arrhythmias if the blood level is too high.
Caffeine is a stimulant that can increase the effects of theophylline and raise the risk of toxicity.
Therefore, patients taking theophylline should avoid caffeine-containing beverages such as coffee, tea, cola, and energy drinks.
Choice A is wrong because eating foods high in potassium has no effect on theophylline metabolism or action.
Potassium is an electrolyte that is important for nerve and muscle function, but it does not interact with theophylline.
Choice C is wrong because taking the medication on an empty stomach can increase the absorption of theophylline and cause gastric irritation.
Theophylline should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset and prevent fluctuations in blood levels.
Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to 1,000 mL a day can cause dehydration and increase the concentration of theophylline in the blood.
Theophylline
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Glargine is a long-acting insulin that can provide a steady level of insulin for up to 24 hours. This would be suitable for a client who does not want to administer insulin on the plane, as they would only need one injection per day.
Choice A. Aspart is wrong because aspart is a rapid-acting insulin that has a peak effect within 1 to 3 hours and lasts for 3 to 5 hours.
This would require frequent injections and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Choice B. Lispro is wrong because lispro is also a rapid-acting insulin that has a similar onset and duration as aspart.
It would not provide adequate coverage for a long international flight.
Choice C. Glulisine is wrong because glulisine is another rapid-acting insulin that has an onset of 15 minutes and a duration of 2 to 4 hours.
It would also require multiple injections and frequent blood glucose checks.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels are 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL after meals.
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