A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for tetracycline.
Which of the following information should the nurse include in the teaching?
You should take this medication with milk.
You should take this medication at bedtime.
Light sensitivity is an adverse effect of this medication.
Constipation is an adverse effect of this medication.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Tetracycline binds to divalent and trivalent cations such as calcium, magnesium, and aluminum. Milk and dairy products are rich in calcium, so taking tetracycline with milk significantly reduces its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract, rendering the medication less effective. The drug should be taken on an empty stomach with a full glass of water.
Choice B rationale
Taking tetracycline at bedtime is not a recommended practice for this drug. Although some medications are taken at night to avoid side effects or promote sleep, tetracycline can cause gastroesophageal reflux or esophagitis, particularly when a person lies down soon after ingestion. It is important to remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
Choice C rationale
Photosensitivity is a well-documented adverse effect of tetracycline. The drug sensitizes the skin to ultraviolet light, leading to an exaggerated sunburn reaction. This is due to the drug's accumulation in the skin and its ability to absorb light energy. Clients must be advised to use sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Choice D rationale
Tetracycline is known to cause gastrointestinal side effects, but diarrhea is far more common than constipation. This is often due to the disruption of the normal gut flora, which can lead to opportunistic infections like Clostridium difficile. While not exclusively causing diarrhea, constipation is not a typical adverse effect and should not be the primary teaching point. *.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Drowsiness is a symptom of hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism (thyrotoxicosis). Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone used to treat hypothyroidism. An overdose or excessive dose of this medication would lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which is the opposite of drowsiness. Instead, clients would likely experience increased energy levels, anxiety, or insomnia.
Choice B rationale
Weight gain is a classic symptom of hypothyroidism, not thyrotoxicosis. When the body's metabolism slows down due to insufficient thyroid hormone, the client may gain weight. A client experiencing thyrotoxicosis from an excessive dose of levothyroxine would typically exhibit a hypermetabolic state, which often leads to unintended weight loss despite an increased appetite.
Choice C rationale
A fever is a sign of an accelerated metabolic rate, which is a key feature of thyrotoxicosis. When thyroid hormone levels become excessively high, the body's basal metabolic rate increases significantly, causing an increase in body temperature. This can manifest as a low-grade fever or even a significant fever in severe cases, requiring immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is a symptom of hypothyroidism. The heart rate slows down as the body's overall metabolic processes decrease. Thyrotoxicosis is characterized by a rapid heart rate, known as tachycardia. This is due to the excessive stimulation of the cardiovascular system by high levels of thyroid hormone. A normal heart rate is typically between 60 and 100 beats per minute. .
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The herpes zoster vaccine, also known as the shingles vaccine, is specifically recommended for older adults. The incidence and severity of shingles, which is caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus, increase significantly with age, particularly after 50 years. The vaccine works by boosting the immune response to the virus, thereby reducing the risk of developing shingles and the associated long-term neuropathic pain.
Choice B rationale
The human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is recommended for individuals up to age 26, with a primary target age of 11 or 12. It is not typically recommended for older adults because most have already been exposed to the virus, and the vaccine is most effective before sexual activity begins. The immune response in older adults is also less robust than in younger individuals, making the vaccine less effective in this population.
Choice C rationale
The rotavirus vaccine is recommended for infants and young children, usually in a series of doses starting at 2 months of age. Rotavirus is a common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children, but it does not pose a significant health threat to older adults. The vaccine is not indicated for older adults because they have usually developed immunity from previous exposures to the virus.
Choice D rationale
Diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis (DTaP) vaccine is primarily given to infants and young children in a series of doses. For older adults, the Tdap or Td booster is recommended. The Tdap vaccine provides protection against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, which is important for older adults as their immunity wanes over time. However, the DTaP formulation is not the one typically recommended for this age group. .
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