A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic.
The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home.
Which action should the nurse take?

Explain that the client needs to allow for sleep time of at least two hours.

Advise the client to take the medication with the noon meal.

Encourage the client to wait until bedtime to take the medication.

Remind the client to drink plenty of fluids when taking the medication.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Explaining that the client needs to allow for sleep time of at least two hours after taking zolpidem is not the best action. While it’s true that zolpidem should be taken right before going to sleep, the client’s plan to take a short afternoon nap may not provide enough time for the effects of the medication to wear off, which could lead to drowsiness and potential safety issues.

Choice B rationale

Advising the client to take the medication with the noon meal is not the best action. Zolpidem should be taken on an empty stomach right before going to sleep. Taking it with food or right after a meal may decrease its effectiveness.

Choice C rationale

Encouraging the client to wait until bedtime to take the medication is the best action. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication used to treat insomnia. It works quickly to put you to sleep and should be taken right before going to bed. Taking it during the day could lead to drowsiness and potential safety issues.

Choice D rationale

Reminding the client to drink plenty of fluids when taking the medication is not the best action. While staying hydrated is generally good advice, it’s not specifically related to the use of zolpidem. The key instruction for zolpidem is to take it right before going to bed.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

While changes in stool color and character can be indicative of various health conditions, they are not the best indicators of a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice B rationale

Fingerstick glucose monitoring is important in managing conditions like diabetes, but it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

Choice C rationale

Lactulose is used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy, a condition that can occur in patients with severe liver disease. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction. Therefore, monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help evaluate the effectiveness of lactulose therapy.

Choice D rationale

While monitoring serum hepatic enzymes can provide valuable information about liver function, it does not provide the best information to evaluate a patient’s therapeutic response to lactulose in the context of hepatic encephalopathy.

A. Before meals to prevent hyperglycemia. B. When signs of severe hypoglycemia occur. C. When unable to eat during sick days. D. At the onset of signs of diabetic ketoacidosis.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Glucagon should not be administered before meals to prevent hyperglycemia. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood glucose levels and is used to treat severe hypoglycemia. It is not intended to prevent hyperglycemia.

Choice B rationale

Glucagon should be administered when signs of severe hypoglycemia occur. Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, can cause symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, hunger, and shakiness. If left untreated, severe hypoglycemia can lead to unconsciousness or seizures.

Choice C rationale

Glucagon should not be administered when unable to eat during sick days. While it’s important to maintain blood glucose levels during illness, glucagon is specifically used for severe hypoglycemia.

Choice D rationale

Glucagon should not be administered at the onset of signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention. Glucagon is not a treatment for this condition.

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A client has a new prescription for zolpidem, a hypnotic.The client tells the home health nurse that he plans to take a dose of the medication during the day because he is exhausted and needs to take a short afternoon nap prior to an evening activity in his home.Which action should the nurse take?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose.Which assessment provides the nurse with the best information to evaluate the patient’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus has been prescribed a glucagon emergency kit for home use.When should the nurse instruct the patient and family that glucagon needs to be administered?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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