A client has been having a hard time keeping their thyroid levels therapeutic while taking levothyroxine. So the prescriber orders the client to only take the brand name Synthroid. The patient asks what difference this will make. What's the nurse's best response?
Generic medications can include different binding ingredients which may affect drug levels in some people.
There is less regulation with generic medications.
Honestly, it makes no difference, the doctor just gets more money when you buy the brand name.
Brand name drugs are always better because they are made by major pharmaceutical companies.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A reason: This statement is true. The nurse's best response is to explain that generic medications can have different inactive ingredients, such as fillers, binders, or colors, which may affect how the drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, or excreted in the body. This can result in variations in the drug levels and effects in some people. Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone that requires precise dosing and monitoring to achieve therapeutic levels and avoid adverse effects. Therefore, the prescriber may prefer the client to take the brand name Synthroid, which has a consistent formulation and quality.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that there is less regulation with generic medications, as this is not true. Generic medications are required to meet the same standards of safety, efficacy, and quality as brand name drugs by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They must also have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as the brand name drug.
Choice C reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that it makes no difference, the doctor just gets more money when you buy the brand name, as this is not true and unethical. The doctor does not get any financial benefit from prescribing the brand name drug, and the client may pay more for the brand name drug than the generic one. The doctor may have a valid reason for preferring the brand name drug, such as the client's response, preference, or allergy.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. The nurse should not say that brand name drugs are always better because they are made by major pharmaceutical companies, as this is not true and biased. Brand name drugs are not necessarily better than generic drugs, as they have the same active ingredient and therapeutic effect. However, some brand name drugs may have advantages over generic drugs, such as patent protection, innovation, or formulation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is true. The client should report black or bloody bowel movements, as they may indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, which is a serious complication of warfarin therapy. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that prevents blood clots, but it can also increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. The client should not limit all fruits and vegetables, as they are important sources of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. However, the client should be consistent with their intake of foods that contain vitamin K, such as leafy greens, broccoli, and cabbage, as vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin and reduce its efficacy.
Choice C reason: This statement is true. The client should report coffee ground or bloody emesis, as they may indicate upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which is another serious complication of warfarin therapy. Coffee ground emesis is vomit that looks like coffee grounds, caused by the presence of digested blood.
Choice D reason: This statement is true. The client should use a soft-bristled toothbrush, as it can prevent gum bleeding, which is a minor side effect of warfarin therapy. The client should also avoid dental flossing or using toothpicks that may injure the gums.
Choice E reason: This statement is true. The client should shave with an electric razor instead of a razor blade, as it can prevent skin cuts or nicks, which may bleed excessively due to warfarin therapy. The client should also avoid activities that may cause bruises or injuries, such as contact sports or gardening.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This statement is false. Glucagon is not a drug that the nurse should assess prior to sending the client to radiology, as glucagon is used to treat severe hypoglycemia, which is unlikely to occur during the procedure. Glucagon is an injectable hormone that raises blood glucose levels by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver.
Choice B reason: This statement is false. Famotidine is not a drug that the nurse should assess prior to sending the client to radiology, as famotidine is used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, peptic ulcer disease, or gastritis, which are not related to the procedure. Famotidine is an oral medication that reduces the production of stomach acid by blocking histamine receptors in the stomach.
Choice C reason: This statement is true. Metformin is a drug that the nurse should assess prior to sending the client to radiology, as metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, which can interact with the contrast dye used in the procedure. Metformin is an oral medication that lowers blood glucose levels by decreasing the absorption of glucose in the intestines, increasing the uptake of glucose in the muscles, and reducing the production of glucose in the liver. However, metformin can also cause lactic acidosis, a serious condition that occurs when there is too much acid in the blood. The contrast dye can impair the kidney function and increase the risk of lactic acidosis. Therefore, the nurse should check the client's renal function tests and inform the radiologist if the client is taking metformin. The client may need to stop taking metformin before and after the procedure, depending on the instructions from the prescriber.
Choice D reason: This statement is false. Forge is not a drug that the nurse should assess prior to sending the client to radiology, as forge is not a real medication. It is a misspelling of Forxiga, which is another oral medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. Forxiga works by increasing the excretion of glucose in the urine by inhibiting a protein called sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 in the kidneys. Forxiga does not have a significant interaction with the contrast dye, but the nurse should still monitor the client's blood glucose levels and hydration status before and after the procedure.
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