A nurse is reinforcing teaching about a heart-healthy diet with a group of clients who have hypertension.
Which of the following statements by the clients indicates a need for further teaching?

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should include the statement, "Lifelong treatment with this medication is necessary.”. This is because rifampin is often part of a multidrug regimen used to treat tuberculosis, and treatment typically lasts for several months, sometimes up to a year. It is crucial for the client to understand the need for long-term treatment to ensure the successful eradication of the tuberculosis bacteria from their system.

Choice B rationale:

The statement, "The medication causes amenorrhea if taken along with an oral contraceptive," is not accurate. Rifampin is known to interact with oral contraceptives, decreasing their effectiveness, but it does not directly cause amenorrhea. The correct teaching should focus on the need for alternative or additional contraceptive methods while taking rifampin.

Choice C rationale:

The statement, "You should wear glasses instead of contacts while taking this medication," is not directly related to rifampin. Rifampin can cause certain ocular side effects, but it does not necessarily require the client to switch from contacts to glasses. This advice would depend on the individual's eye health and any specific concerns.

Choice D rationale:

The statement, "A yellow tint to the skin is an expected reaction to the medication," is incorrect. While rifampin can cause a harmless side effect of orange-red discoloration of body fluids, such as urine, sweat, and tears, it does not typically cause a yellow tint to the skin. The nurse should clarify this misconception with the client.

Choice A rationale:

Extreme thirst is not a typical finding in a client with hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is an electrolyte imbalance that can lead to symptoms like weakness and irregular heartbeats, but extreme thirst is not a direct result of low potassium levels.

Choice B rationale:

"Weak, irregular pulse" is the correct response. Hypokalemia can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, which may manifest as a weak, irregular pulse. Potassium plays a crucial role in maintaining the electrical activity of the heart, and low levels can disrupt normal heart rhythms.

Choice C rationale:

Hyperactive bowel sounds are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, you might expect diminished or absent bowel sounds in severe cases due to muscle weakness.

Choice D rationale:

Hyperactive reflexes are not typically associated with hypokalemia. Instead, hypokalemia can lead to muscle weakness and potentially even paralysis in severe cases.