A nurse is caring for client who is taking lisinopril (ACE inhibitor). Which of the following outcomes indicates a therapeutic effect of the medication?

A) Muscle mass:
Passive range of motion (ROM) exercises do not directly increase muscle mass. These exercises primarily help maintain joint function and flexibility rather than build muscle tissue, which requires active resistance exercises and strength training.

B) Bone density:
While weight-bearing activities can help improve bone density, passive ROM exercises do not have a significant impact on bone density. Passive ROM helps preserve joint function and flexibility but does not address the strengthening of bones.

C) Joint flexibility:
Passive ROM exercises are specifically designed to improve and maintain joint flexibility. These exercises involve the nurse or caregiver moving the client’s joints through their full range of motion without the client’s active participation. The goal is to maintain or increase the joint's flexibility and prevent stiffness, especially in patients who are unable to move their limbs actively, such as those who have had a stroke.

D) Muscle strength:
Passive ROM does not increase muscle strength because the client is not actively engaging their muscles. Muscle strength is built through active movements or resistance exercises, where the client’s muscles work against a force. Passive ROM helps maintain joint mobility, not muscle strength.

A) Provide a dedicated area for the nurse to prepare medications:
Having a dedicated, quiet area for preparing medications is crucial for reducing the risk of medication errors. A designated space minimizes distractions, ensures proper organization, and allows the nurse to focus on the task at hand, which can help prevent mistakes. It also supports a more organized environment where medications can be checked for accuracy, labels can be read carefully, and correct dosages can be administered. This is the best practice to reduce medication errors.

B) Wait to document medications given to clients until the end of a shift:
Delaying the documentation of medications until the end of a shift increases the risk of forgetting to document or making errors. Medications should be documented immediately after administration to ensure accuracy and prevent omissions. Immediate documentation also provides real-time updates on the client's medication history and avoids any discrepancies between what was actually administered and what is recorded.

C) Remove medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists:
Removing medications from automatic dispensing systems before they are reviewed by pharmacists increases the risk of errors. Medications should be reviewed by the pharmacist to ensure proper drug selection, dosage, and appropriateness for the patient's condition. Pharmacists play an essential role in medication safety, and bypassing their review increases the likelihood of incorrect medication administration, potentially leading to harmful consequences.

D) Prepare medications for multiple clients at the same time:
Preparing medications for multiple clients simultaneously is risky and can lead to confusion and errors. Nurses should focus on preparing medications for one patient at a time to ensure that the correct medication and dosage are administered to the correct person. This practice reduces the likelihood of mixing up medications or administering the wrong drug or dosage.