A client is receiving metronidazole for Clostridium difficile pseudomembranous colitis. Which information should the nurse include in this client's medication teaching plan?
Keep medication refrigerated.
Drink a liter of water daily.
Take one hour after eating.
Avoid the use of alcohol.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Keep medication refrigerated:
Metronidazole tablets do not typically require refrigeration. Storing the medication at room temperature is usually sufficient. Refrigeration may not be necessary and could potentially lead to confusion or unnecessary inconvenience for the client.
B) Drink a liter of water daily:
While maintaining hydration is generally important for overall health, there's no specific requirement to drink a liter of water daily solely because of metronidazole therapy. However, encouraging adequate fluid intake is beneficial to prevent dehydration, especially if diarrhea is present due to Clostridium difficile infection.
C) Take one hour after eating:
Metronidazole can be taken with or without food. It's generally well tolerated with food to reduce gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea. However, taking it with food or on an empty stomach does not significantly affect its effectiveness.
D) Avoid the use of alcohol:
This is the correct answer. Consuming alcohol while taking metronidazole can lead to a disulfiram-like reaction, characterized by symptoms such as flushing, headache, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps. This reaction occurs because metronidazole inhibits the breakdown of acetaldehyde, leading to its accumulation in the body when alcohol is consumed. Therefore, it's crucial to advise clients to abstain from alcohol during metronidazole therapy and for at least 48 hours after completing the course of treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Keep an oral liquid or glucose source available:
While it's essential to have a readily available source of glucose in case of hypoglycemia, ensuring consistency in meal timing is more critical for managing blood sugar levels in clients receiving insulin lispro. However, having a glucose source available is still important as a precautionary measure.
B) Check blood glucose levels every six hours:
Frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels is essential in managing diabetes, but checking levels every six hours may not be necessary for all clients. The frequency of blood glucose monitoring should be individualized based on factors such as the client's overall glycemic control, insulin regimen, meal timing, and activity level.
C) Assess for hypoglycemia between meals:
While assessing for hypoglycemia is important, especially in clients receiving insulin therapy, ensuring consistent meal timing is a more proactive measure to prevent hypoglycemia. Clients should ideally consume meals or snacks containing carbohydrates around the same time they administer rapid-acting insulins like insulin lispro to prevent blood sugar fluctuations.
D) Provide meals at the same time this insulin is given:
This is the correct intervention. Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin that is typically administered just before meals to control postprandial blood sugar levels effectively. Providing meals at consistent times relative to insulin administration helps synchronize the peak action of the insulin with the rise in blood glucose that occurs after eating, minimizing the risk of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Positive guaiac of stool:
A positive guaiac test indicates the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the client’s history of heartburn, indigestion, and self-treatment with ibuprofen and antacids, gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration may be occurring, leading to bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to report this finding immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.
B) Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction):
A hematocrit level within the reference range (42% to 52%) is considered normal. While a slight decrease in hematocrit may indicate anemia, it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate reporting. The client’s hematocrit level of 42% is within the normal range, so it does not warrant immediate concern.
C) Gastric pH 2.0:
A gastric pH of 2.0 falls within the normal range (1.5 to 3.5) for gastric acid pH. This finding indicates normal gastric acidity and does not suggest an acute problem that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
D) Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (130 g/L):
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is slightly below the lower end of the reference range (14 to 18 g/dL) but does not indicate a critical condition requiring immediate intervention. While it may suggest mild anemia, it is not an urgent finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.
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.