Respiratory, GI, & Endocrine Pharmacology Practice Problems

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for beclomethasone. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• "Rinse your mouth out after each use of this medication"

• "Limit fluid intake while taking this medicine"

• "Increase your intake of vitamin B12 while taking this medication"

• "You can take the medication as needed"

Answer explanation

The client should rinse their mouth out after each use to reduce the risk of oral fungal infections

A nurse is providing instructions to a client who has a new prescription for albuterol and beclomethasone inhalers for the control of asthma. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

• Take albuterol at the same time each day

• Administer the albuterol inhaler prior to using the beclomethasone inhaler

• Use beclomethasone if experiencing an acute episode

• Avoid shaking the beclomethasone before use

Answer explanation

When a client is prescribed an inhaled beta2-agonist (albuterol) and an inhaled glucocorticoid (beclomethasone), the client should take the beta2-agonist first to promote bronchodilator and enhance absorption of the glucocorticoid

A nurse is providing instructions to a client who has a new prescription for albuterol, PO. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• "You can take this medication to abort an acute asthma attack"

• "Tremors are an adverse effect of this medication"

• "Prolonged use of this medication can cause hyperglycemia"

• "This medication can slow skeletal growth rate"

Answer explanation

Tremors can occur due to excessive stimulation of beta2 receptors of skeletal muscles

A nurse is teaching a client who has a prescription for long-term use of oral prednisone for the treatment of chronic asthma. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor which of the following manifestations as an adverse effect of this medication?

• Weight gain

• Nervousness

• Bradycardia

• Constipation

Answer explanation

Weight gain and fluid retention are adverse effects of oral prednisone due to the effect of sodium and water retention

A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking phenylephrine nasal drops for the past 10 days for sinusitis. The nurse should assess the client for which of the following manifestations as an adverse effect of this medication?

• Sedation

• Nasal congestion

• Productive cough

• Constipation

Answer explanation

When used for over 5 days, rebound nasal congestion can occur when taking nasal sympathomimetic medications (phenylephrine)

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for dextromethorphan to suppress a cough. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following manifestations as an adverse side effect of this medication?

• Diarrhea

• Anxiety

• Sedation

• Palpitations

Answer explanation

Dextromethorphan can cause sedation. Advise the client to avoid activities that require alertness

A nurse is teaching the family of a child who has cystic fibrosis and a new prescription for N-acetylcysteine. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the instructions?

• "Expect this medication to suppress your child's cough"

• "Expect this medication to smell like rotten eggs"

• "Expect this medication to cause euphoria"

• "Expect this medication to turn your child's urine orange"

Answer explanation

Acetylcysteine has a sulfur content that causes a rotten egg odor

A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for diphenhydramine for allergic rhinitis. The nurse should instruct the client to monitor for which of the following manifestations as an adverse effect of this medication? (Select all that apply)

• Dry mouth

• Nonproductive cough

• Skin rash

• Drowsiness

• Urinary hesitation

Answer explanation

A dry mouth is an anticholinergic manifestation.

Drowsiness is an adverse effect, as diphenhydramine is administered to treat insomnia.

Urinary retention is an anticholinergic manifestation.

A nurse is teaching a client about the use of fluticasone to treat perennial rhinitis. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

• "I should use the spray every 4 hours while I am awake"

• "It can take as long as 3 weeks before the medication takes a maximum effect"

• "This medication can also be used to treat motion sickness"

• "I can use this medication when my nasal passages are blocked"

Answer explanation

The client can see some benefits of the medication within a few hours, but the maximum benefits can take up to 3 weeks

A nurse is teaching a client who will begin taking aluminum hydroxide. Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?

• "If constipation develops, switch to a calcium-based antacid"

• "Take this medication two hours before or after other medications"

• "This medication increases the risk for pneumonia"

• "Have your magnesium level monitored while taking this medication"

Answer explanation

Cimetidine alters the absorption of many medications. The client should ensure no other medications are taken within 1-2 hours of taking cimetidine