A male student arrives at school to find that he has an unexpected exam for which he is unprepared. Which of the following would be expected?

Choice A Reason:

Discontinuing the drug at the first signs of toxicity might seem like a straightforward solution, but it is not always the best approach. Some drugs are essential for treating serious conditions, and stopping them abruptly can cause more harm than good. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient closely and consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the dosage or switch to a safer alternative if necessary.

Choice B Reason:

Teaching the patient how to treat symptoms if they develop is important, but it is not sufficient on its own. While patient education is a crucial aspect of managing drug side effects, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes regular monitoring and medical supervision.

Choice C Reason:

Ensuring that complete blood counts are ordered periodically is a good practice, especially for drugs that can affect blood cells. However, this approach is too narrow. Toxic side effects can impact various organs and systems, so a comprehensive monitoring plan is necessary.

Choice D Reason:

This is the correct answer. Monitoring the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug is the most comprehensive and effective approach. This includes regular blood tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and other relevant assessments. By closely monitoring the patient’s organ functions, the healthcare team can detect early signs of toxicity and take appropriate action to prevent serious complications.

Choice A Reason:

Disease treatment refers to the management and care of a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. While physical therapy can be part of disease treatment, in the context of a heart attack, it is more accurately described as a form of tertiary prevention.

Choice B Reason:

Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Physical therapy after a heart attack is a classic example of tertiary prevention, as it aims to improve the patient’s quality of life, enhance physical function, and prevent further cardiac events.

Choice C Reason:

Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. In the case of heart disease, secondary prevention might involve regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels to detect and manage risk factors early.

Choice D Reason:

Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs by reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. This includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation to prevent the development of heart disease in the first place. Physical therapy after a heart attack does not fall under primary prevention, as it is an intervention after the disease has already occurred.