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 C
Explanation
The nurse would assess these factors to determine the need for therapy. Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A. Number of times client’s family reports the client is nauseated.
This is not a reliable indicator of the severity or cause of nausea and vomiting.
The nurse should assess the client directly and not rely on the family’s reports.
Choice B. How well the client is eating.
This is not a specific or objective measure of nausea and vomiting.
The client may have other reasons for not eating well, such as loss of appetite, taste changes, or pain.
The nurse should also monitor the client’s weight, hydration status, and electrolyte levels.
Choice D. Client’s nutritional status and fluid balance.
These are important aspects of the client’s overall health, but they are not directly related to nausea and vomiting.
The nurse should assess these factors as part of the comprehensive care plan, but they are not sufficient to determine the need for therapy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroxine, the hormone that the thyroid gland normally produces.It is used to treat hypothyroidism by replacing the missing hormone and restoring the normal metabolism.
Some explanations for the other choices are:
• Choice B. Thyroid desiccated is a natural thyroid hormone derived from animal thyroid glands.
It contains both T4 and T3 hormones, which may cause side effects or complications in some people with hypothyroidism.It is not recommended as a first-line treatment for hypothyroidism.
• Choice C. Methimazole is an antithyroid drug that blocks the production of thyroid hormones.
It is used to treat hyperthyroidism, not hypothyroidism.Giving methimazole to someone with hypothyroidism would worsen their condition.
• Choice D. Liothyronine is a synthetic form of T3, the active thyroid hormone.
It is sometimes used in combination with levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism, but it is not a standard treatment.It has a shorter half-life and more variable effects than levothyroxine, and it may increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias or osteoporosis.
Normal ranges for thyroid function tests vary depending on the laboratory and the method used, but generally they are:
• TSH: 0.4 to 4.0 mIU/L
• Free T4: 0.8 to 2.0 ng/dL
• Free T3: 2.3 to 4.2 pg/mL
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