A nurse is providing instructions to a patient who has been prescribed diltiazem sustained-release tablets for hypertension.
Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Consume the medication in its entirety.
Keep the medication in a cool place.
Accompany the medication with grapefruit juice.
Administer the medication during meals.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to treat high blood pressure and prevent chest pain (angina). It works by relaxing the blood vessels so the heart does not have to pump as hard. It also increases the supply of blood and oxygen to the heart. The sustained-release tablets are designed to release the medication slowly in the body. Therefore, patients are advised to consume the medication in its entirety. Crushing, chewing, or breaking the tablet would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.
Choice B rationale
While it’s generally a good idea to store medications in a cool, dry place, specific storage instructions for diltiazem sustained-release tablets are not typically emphasized. The focus is more on the method of consumption.
Choice C rationale
Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may interact with diltiazem and lead to potentially dangerous effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor. Therefore, it’s not advisable to accompany the medication with grapefruit juice.
Choice D rationale
Diltiazem can be taken with or without food. If it upsets the patient’s stomach, it can be taken with food. However, it’s not a mandatory instruction that the medication must be administered during meals.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Prick the central tip of the patient’s finger: The central tip of the finger has more nerve endings, making it more painful.Instead, the side of the fingertip should be used because it has fewer nerve endings and promotes better blood flow.
B. Apply the first drop of blood to the test strip: The first drop of blood may contain interstitial fluid or contaminants (e.g., alcohol residue), leading to inaccurate readings.Instead, the first drop should be wiped away, and the second drop should be used for testing.
C. Hold the patient’s finger in a dependent position:Holding the finger in a dependent position (below heart level) helps increase blood flow to the fingertip, making it easier to obtain an adequate blood sample without excessive squeezing, which could dilute the sample with tissue fluid.
D. Clean the patient’s finger with hexachlorophene: Hexachlorophene is not recommended for skin antisepsis before blood glucose testing.Instead, alcohol wipes or soap and water should be used. The finger should be fully dried before pricking to avoid dilution of the blood sample.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A physical therapist focuses on improving a client’s movement, mobility, and function, and relieving pain. They may not specialize in helping clients with difficulties using utensils during meals.
Choice B rationale
A recreational therapist uses a variety of modalities, including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music, and community outings to help maintain or improve a patient’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. However, they may not be the best fit for a client having difficulty using utensils during meals.
Choice C rationale
An occupational therapist specializes in helping people regain, develop, and build skills that are important for independent functioning, health, and well-being. They can provide strategies and make recommendations for adaptive equipment, such as specially designed utensils, to
help the client with Parkinson’s disease eat more independently. Therefore, referring the client to an occupational therapist would be the most beneficial.
Choice D rationale
A speech therapist specializes in the evaluation and treatment of communication disorders and swallowing disorders. While they could assist if the client had difficulties with swallowing, they may not be the best fit for a client having difficulty using utensils during meals.
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