Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client about self-administration of a bulk-forming laxative?
Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications.
Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration.
Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water.
Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication.
The Correct Answer is C
A) Taking the medication one hour after meals and other medications may help prevent interference with the absorption of nutrients or other medications. However, it is not a specific instruction related to the administration of bulk-forming laxatives.
B) Remaining upright for thirty minutes following drug administration is a common instruction for medications that may cause esophageal irritation or reflux. However, it is not typically necessary for bulk-forming laxatives, which work primarily in the colon rather than the esophagus or stomach.
C) Following medication administration with an additional glass of water is the correct instruction for self-administration of bulk-forming laxatives. These laxatives absorb water in the intestines, which helps to soften the stool and promote bowel movements. Adequate hydration is essential to prevent the bulk-forming laxative from causing intestinal obstruction.
D) Avoiding the intake of dairy products while using the medication is not a specific instruction related to the administration of bulk-forming laxatives. Bulk-forming laxatives are generally well-tolerated and do not interact with dairy products. However, increasing fluid intake, particularly water, is essential to prevent constipation and ensure the effectiveness of the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Asking the client to describe how she takes the medication is the most appropriate initial response by the nurse. “Heartburn” reported after taking risedronate raises concerns about potential esophageal irritation or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) exacerbation. Understanding the client’s administration technique (e.g., whether she takes the medication with a full glass of water and remains upright for at least 30 minutes afterward) can help identify potential causes of the reported symptoms.
B) While suggesting the use of an antacid two hours after the medication may provide symptomatic relief, it does not address the underlying issue of potential esophageal irritation or GERD exacerbation related to risedronate administration. Moreover, if the client’s symptoms are due to esophageal irritation, using an antacid may mask the symptoms without addressing the cause.
C) Reminding the client to take the medication with plenty of water is a standard recommendation for bisphosphonate administration to minimize the risk of esophageal irritation and ensure proper drug absorption. However, since the client is already experiencing “heartburn,” further assessment of the client’s medication administration technique is warranted before providing this reminder.
D) Advising the client to go to the nearest emergency department is not appropriate at this stage, as the reported symptom of “heartburn” does not suggest an immediate life-threatening emergency. However, if the client experiences severe chest pain, difficulty swallowing, or signs of a severe allergic reaction (e.g., swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing), emergency medical attention would be necessary.
Therefore, the nurse should first assess the client’s medication administration technique to determine if improper administration may be contributing to the reported symptoms. Based on this assessment, appropriate interventions can be provided to address potential esophageal irritation or GERD exacerbation.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
- pH: Calcium acetate is not directly related to changes in blood pH. Therefore, monitoring pH levels would not indicate the effectiveness of the medication for CKD.
B) Calcium: Calcium levels may be affected by calcium acetate, but the primary goal of using calcium acetate in CKD is to reduce phosphate levels, not calcium levels. Therefore, monitoring calcium levels would not directly indicate the effectiveness of the medication.
C) Potassium: Calcium acetate is not typically used to affect potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels would not indicate the effectiveness of calcium acetate for CKD.
D) Phosphate: This is the correct answer. Calcium acetate is a phosphate binder commonly used in CKD to help lower elevated phosphate levels. A decrease in phosphate levels in the blood would indicate that the medication is having the desired effect in controlling phosphate levels, which is important in managing CKD and preventing complications associated with hyperphosphatemia. Therefore, monitoring phosphate levels is essential to assess the effectiveness of calcium acetate therapy in CKD.
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