A nurse is assessing a client who has a prescription for oral albuterol for the long-term management of asthma.
For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

Choice A rationale

Documenting the client's refusal and the stated reason in the nurses' notes is crucial for legal and ethical reasons. It provides a clear record of the event, ensures continuity of care by informing other healthcare providers, and allows for follow-up interventions to address the client's concerns or alternative medication strategies. It upholds the client's right to refuse treatment.

Choice B rationale

Delegating medication administration to an assistive personnel (AP) is inappropriate as medication administration is a complex nursing function requiring assessment, judgment, and patient education, which are outside the scope of practice for an AP. An AP's role is typically limited to basic care activities, and they are not trained or authorized to administer medications.

Choice C rationale

Notifying the pharmacist is not the immediate or primary action when a client refuses medication. While the pharmacist may offer insights into alternative formulations or administration routes, the nurse's initial responsibility is to understand the client's refusal, document it, and then notify the prescribing provider for a revised plan of care.

Choice D rationale

Mixing medication in juice without the client's explicit consent is considered a breach of the client's autonomy and can be construed as coercive or deceptive. It violates the client's right to self-determination and informed consent regarding their treatment. Medications should only be administered with the client's knowledge and cooperation.

Choice A rationale

Insulin lispro is a rapid-acting insulin used to manage hyperglycemia in clients with diabetes mellitus. Its primary mechanism involves facilitating glucose uptake into cells and inhibiting hepatic glucose production. It does not directly mitigate the adverse effects, such as myelosuppression and gastrointestinal issues, associated with topotecan, a topoisomerase I inhibitor used in chemotherapy.

Choice B rationale

Granisetron is a serotonin 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, primarily used to prevent nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy. It works by blocking serotonin's action on vagal nerve terminals and in the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the brainstem. This action effectively controls a common and distressing adverse effect of topotecan, thereby improving client comfort and compliance.

Choice C rationale

Magnesium sulfate is an electrolyte replacement and smooth muscle relaxant. It is used in conditions like pre-eclampsia, eclampsia, and hypomagnesemia. Its physiological effects involve stabilizing neuronal excitability and reducing uterine contractions. It is not indicated for the management of topotecan's adverse effects, which predominantly involve myelosuppression and gastrointestinal toxicity.

Choice D rationale

Prednisone is a corticosteroid with potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. It is used to treat various conditions, including autoimmune disorders, allergic reactions, and some cancers. While it can reduce inflammation, it does not specifically target the common adverse effects of topotecan, such as myelosuppression and gastrointestinal disturbances.