A client diagnosed with myasthenia gravis receives a prescription for pyridostigmine. Which intervention should the nurse implement when preparing to administer this medication?
Schedule the medication to be given just before bedtime.
Break the medication into small pieces and sprinkle onto food.
Instruct the client to avoid dairy products for at least 30 minutes.
Administer the medication thirty minutes prior to meals.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Schedule the medication to be given just before bedtime: Pyridostigmine should be timed to coincide with periods of increased activity, especially before meals, to improve muscle strength. Giving it at bedtime would not offer functional benefit unless the client experiences nighttime symptoms.
B. Break the medication into small pieces and sprinkle onto food: Pyridostigmine tablets are not designed to be crushed or split unless specifically directed. Altering the form may affect its absorption and reduce its effectiveness in managing symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
C. Instruct the client to avoid dairy products for at least 30 minutes: Dairy does not interfere significantly with the absorption or action of pyridostigmine. Dietary restrictions should be based on known drug-food interactions, which are not typically associated with pyridostigmine and dairy.
D. Administer the medication thirty minutes prior to meals: Administering pyridostigmine before meals helps enhance swallowing and chewing abilities, reducing the risk of aspiration. This timing optimizes muscle strength during eating, which is a high-risk activity for clients with myasthenia gravis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Compress the client's nares: Compressing the nares is a technique used for nasal medication administration or controlling nosebleeds, not for sublingual or oral spray forms of nitroglycerin. This action is unrelated to nitroglycerin use for angina.
B. Observe for facial flushing: Facial flushing is a common side effect of nitroglycerin due to vasodilation. While it should be noted during monitoring, it is not the immediate next action after administration when addressing angina symptoms.
C. Advise the client to rest: Resting after nitroglycerin administration reduces myocardial oxygen demand, helping to relieve anginal pain more effectively. It also helps prevent hypotension and dizziness, which are common side effects of the medication.
D. Elevate the client's feet: Elevating the feet is typically done if hypotension occurs. It is not a standard next step immediately after giving nitroglycerin unless the client shows symptoms like syncope or significant blood pressure drops.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Notify the healthcare provider: Notification of the healthcare provider is not immediately necessary just because of a meal delay. The nurse can manage the situation appropriately by adjusting the medication timing to ensure patient safety without requiring immediate provider involvement.
B. Administer the medication: Acarbose should be taken with the first bite of food to effectively delay carbohydrate absorption. Administering it without food available increases the risk of hypoglycemia, especially since the glucose level is already slightly elevated but within a manageable range.
C. Hold the medication until the meal trays arrive: Acarbose must be taken with the first mouthful of food to match the timing of glucose absorption. Holding the medication until the meal arrives ensures optimal therapeutic effect and prevents unnecessary hypoglycemia.
D. Obtain another finger stick blood glucose level: Rechecking the blood glucose is unnecessary at this time. The primary concern is coordinating the medication with food intake, not monitoring glucose trends over a short 30-minute delay.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.