A nurse is providing teaching to an adolescent who has a prescription for cromolyn for the management of asthma.
Which of the following statements by the adolescent indicates an understanding of the teaching?
"I use this medication every day, even when I have no symptoms.”.
"I should use this medication as soon as I feel like I am going to start to wheeze.”.
"I will be sure to call the doctor if I don't feel better in a week.”.
"When I know I am going to play softball, I use the medication 2 hours before I start.”.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Cromolyn is a mast cell stabilizer that works by inhibiting the release of inflammatory mediators like histamine from mast cells. This prophylactic action requires consistent, daily use to build up therapeutic levels and prevent the initiation of the asthmatic response, rather than acting as a rescue medication during an acute attack.
Choice B rationale
Using cromolyn as soon as one feels like wheezing is incorrect because cromolyn is not a bronchodilator and does not provide immediate relief for acute bronchospasm. Its mechanism of action involves stabilizing mast cells, which prevents the degranulation and release of inflammatory mediators, thus preventing symptoms from occurring.
Choice C rationale
Expecting to feel better in a week is an inappropriate timeframe for assessing cromolyn's efficacy. The full prophylactic benefits of cromolyn may take several weeks of consistent use to become apparent. Patients should be educated on the preventative nature and delayed onset of action.
Choice D rationale
While cromolyn can be used prophylactically before exercise, using it 2 hours before playing softball is not the recommended timing. For exercise-induced bronchospasm, cromolyn is typically administered 15 to 30 minutes prior to the activity to allow for adequate absorption and mast cell stabilization before exertion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Acyclovir is primarily excreted renally, and its metabolism can lead to crystal formation in the renal tubules, particularly if the client is dehydrated or the infusion is too rapid. Monitoring for an increase in creatinine (normal range 0.6-1.2 mg/dL) is crucial as it indicates decreased glomerular filtration rate and potential nephrotoxicity or acute kidney injury, necessitating dose adjustment or hydration.
Choice B rationale
Administering oxygen prophylactically is not a standard or scientifically indicated action for acyclovir administration. Acyclovir does not inherently cause respiratory depression or compromise oxygenation. Its primary adverse effects are typically related to renal function, central nervous system, or gastrointestinal system, not respiratory compromise.
Choice C rationale
While some antiviral medications can affect hematopoiesis, acyclovir is not commonly associated with significant decreases in hemoglobin (normal range 12-18 g/dL) and hematocrit (normal range 37-52%). These parameters are generally monitored in clients with pre-existing hematological conditions or those on long-term, high-dose therapy, but it's not a primary immediate concern for IV administration.
Choice D rationale
Administering acyclovir IV over 30 minutes is the recommended infusion duration. Rapid intravenous infusion can increase the risk of renal tubular damage and crystal formation, leading to nephrotoxicity. A slower infusion rate allows for proper dilution and minimizes the concentration of the drug in the renal tubules, thus protecting kidney function and reducing adverse effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, a common oral contraceptive combination, can sometimes lead to weight gain rather than weight loss. This is often attributed to fluid retention and changes in appetite or metabolism, rather than a catabolic effect causing weight reduction.
Choice B rationale
Easy bruising is not a typical manifestation of ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone use. While some hormonal contraceptives can affect coagulation factors, leading to an increased risk of thrombosis, they do not generally cause increased capillary fragility or platelet dysfunction manifesting as easy bruising.
Choice C rationale
Oral contraceptives containing estrogen, such as ethinyl estradiol, can actually cause a slight increase in blood pressure in some individuals due to their effects on the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, leading to sodium and water retention. Low blood pressure is not a common adverse effect.
Choice D rationale
Breakthrough bleeding, or irregular uterine bleeding that occurs during hormone therapy, is a common adverse effect of combined oral contraceptives like ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone, especially during the initial cycles of use. It results from an imbalance in the hormonal effects on the endometrium.
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