A female patient with multiple sclerosis reports less fatigue and improved memory since she started using the herbal supplement, ginkgo biloba.
What is the most important information for the nurse to include in the teaching plan for this patient?

Choice A rationale

Eye drops for glaucoma are not typically used for long-term control of pain and swelling.

Choice B rationale

Restoring a smaller angle is not the goal of treatment for open-angle glaucoma.

Choice C rationale

While reducing excess pressure is a goal of glaucoma treatment, eye drops are typically used for long-term control rather than a temporary reduction of pressure.

Choice D rationale

Eye drops for open-angle glaucoma are used for long-term control of normal eye pressure. They need to be used every day, and depending on the type of medicine, may need to be used once, twice, or up to 4 times a day.

Choice A rationale

Risedronate is a type of medication known as a bisphosphonate, which is used to treat and prevent osteoporosis. It works by slowing bone loss to help maintain strong bones and reduce the risk of fractures. It’s important to take risedronate correctly to ensure it works effectively. One key instruction is that it should be taken with a full glass of plain water, at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. This is because food and beverages can decrease the amount of risedronate absorbed by the body. Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client that it is necessary to take nothing but water with the medication.

Choice B rationale

Withholding the medication until the client’s breakfast tray is available on the unit would not be the best action. This is because risedronate needs to be taken as soon as you get out of bed in the morning and at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Waiting for the breakfast tray could delay the administration of the medication and potentially decrease its effectiveness.

Choice C rationale

Consulting with a pharmacist about scheduling the dose one hour after the client eats is not the best action. As mentioned earlier, risedronate should be taken at least 30 minutes before any food, beverage, or other medicines. Taking it after eating could decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed by the body, reducing its effectiveness.

Choice D rationale

Assigning an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) to bring the client a glass of low-fat milk is not the correct action. This is because risedronate should be taken with a full glass of plain water, not milk. In fact, taking risedronate with milk could decrease the amount of medication that is absorbed by the body.