A client is receiving tamsulosin, an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent, for the management of urinary retention due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
Take the medication early in the day.
Stand and sit up slowly.
Reduce daily fluid intake.
Use a twice-a-week dosing schedule.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Taking tamsulosin early in the day is not necessary. Tamsulosin should be taken approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day to ensure consistent absorption and effectiveness1. The timing of the dose is less critical than ensuring it is taken after the same meal daily.
Choice B reason: Tamsulosin can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up from a sitting or lying position. This can lead to dizziness or fainting. Therefore, it is crucial to instruct patients to stand and sit up slowly to prevent falls and injuries.
Choice C reason: Reducing daily fluid intake is not recommended for patients taking tamsulosin. Adequate hydration is important for overall health and can help manage urinary symptoms associated with BPH. There is no evidence suggesting that fluid restriction improves the effectiveness of tamsulosin.
Choice D reason: Tamsulosin should be taken daily, not on a twice-a-week dosing schedule. Consistent daily dosing is necessary to maintain stable blood levels of the medication and ensure its effectiveness in managing urinary retention due to BPH.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is not typically required before starting statin therapy. While a CBC can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health, it does not specifically relate to the potential side effects or necessary monitoring for statin use. Statins primarily affect the liver, so monitoring liver function is more critical.
Choice B reason: Serum electrolytes are important for assessing overall metabolic and kidney function, but they are not directly related to the initiation of statin therapy. Statins do not typically affect electrolyte levels, so this test is not necessary before starting the medication.
Choice C reason: Capillary blood glucose levels are important for monitoring diabetes and blood sugar control. While statins can have an impact on blood glucose levels, this is not the primary concern when initiating therapy. Monitoring liver function is more directly related to the potential side effects of statins.
Choice D reason: Serum liver enzymes are crucial to review before starting statin therapy. Statins can cause liver enzyme elevations, indicating liver damage or dysfunction. Therefore, baseline liver enzyme levels should be obtained to monitor for any potential hepatotoxicity during treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is not a primary concern when administering sumatriptan succinate. While IBS can cause significant discomfort and affect the quality of life, it does not pose a direct contraindication to the use of sumatriptan. Sumatriptan is primarily metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidneys, and its use is not significantly impacted by gastrointestinal conditions like IBS1.
Choice B reason:
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a critical consideration before administering sumatriptan succinate. Sumatriptan is a selective serotonin receptor agonist that causes vasoconstriction of cranial blood vessels to relieve migraine symptoms. However, it can also cause vasoconstriction in coronary arteries, which can be dangerous for clients with CAD. This can lead to serious cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction or angina. Therefore, it is essential to assess for any history of CAD or other significant cardiovascular conditions before administering this medication.
Choice C reason:
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is not a significant concern when administering sumatriptan succinate. While allergic rhinitis can cause symptoms such as nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching, it does not interact with the pharmacological action of sumatriptan. Therefore, it is not a contraindication for the use of this medication.
Choice D reason:
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is not a primary concern when administering sumatriptan succinate. Although diabetes can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, the presence of diabetes alone does not contraindicate the use of sumatriptan. However, it is important to consider the overall cardiovascular risk profile of the client, including any complications related to diabetes.
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