A patient is prescribed an anorexiant.
Which statement will the nurse include in patient teaching?
Take the medication with your evening meal.
You will need to take this drug for at least 2 years.
If you develop a dry mouth, stop taking the drug immediately.
Avoid intake of caffeine.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Anorexiants, such as phentermine, are often taken in the morning or early afternoon to avoid the side effect of insomnia. Taking the medication with the evening meal could lead to sleep disturbances, which is a common and undesirable side effect of these stimulant drugs.
Choice B rationale
Most anorexiants are approved for short-term use, typically for a few weeks to a few months, and not for a duration of two years. Long-term use is associated with a higher risk of adverse effects, including cardiovascular complications and the potential for drug dependence.
Choice C rationale
A dry mouth is a very common and expected adverse effect of many anorexiant medications. It is not an indication to immediately stop the drug. The nurse should advise the patient on strategies to manage this symptom, such as using sugar-free gum or lozenges.
Choice D rationale
Anorexiants often have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Combining them with other stimulants, such as caffeine, can potentiate these effects, increasing the risk of adverse cardiovascular events like tachycardia, palpitations, and elevated blood pressure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A patient reporting an increase in suicidal ideation after starting an antidepressant requires immediate and careful assessment. Encouraging them to continue the medication without evaluation could be dangerous and goes against the principle of patient safety. The patient's report is a critical red flag that must be addressed.
Choice B rationale
The black box warning for many antidepressants highlights the risk of increased suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some patients, particularly children, adolescents, and young adults. Documenting the patient's report and notifying the healthcare provider immediately is the appropriate and safest course of action to ensure proper management.
Choice C rationale
Discontinuing an antidepressant abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and rebound depression, potentially worsening the patient's condition. It is not within the nurse's scope of practice to unilaterally discontinue a prescription medication. The healthcare provider must be consulted for a new treatment plan.
Choice D rationale
Increasing the dose of an antidepressant in a patient who reports increased suicidal ideation is contraindicated. This action could potentially exacerbate the side effects and the patient's symptoms, increasing the risk of self-harm. The provider must evaluate the patient's response and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The HbA1c test measures the average blood glucose concentration over the past two to three months by assessing the amount of glycated hemoglobin in red blood cells. It does not differentiate between type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus, as both conditions can result in elevated blood glucose levels and thus an elevated HbA1c reading. A diagnosis of type 1 versus type 2 diabetes requires a different diagnostic approach.
Choice B rationale
The HbA1c test measures the percentage of hemoglobin with glucose molecules attached. This is an indicator of long-term average blood glucose control and is not a marker for infection. Infections can cause an acute increase in blood glucose levels but do not directly or immediately affect the HbA1c, which reflects a longer-term trend. The normal HbA1c is below 5.7%.
Choice C rationale
Glycated hemoglobin forms when hemoglobin in red blood cells binds to glucose in the bloodstream. Since red blood cells have a lifespan of approximately 120 days, the HbA1c level reflects the average blood glucose concentration over the preceding two to three months. This provides a valuable metric for assessing patient adherence to diet, exercise, and medication regimens over an extended period.
Choice D rationale
The HbA1c value represents the average blood glucose level over a two to three month period, not the patient’s current or fasting blood glucose level. A fasting blood glucose test measures the glucose concentration in the blood at a single point in time, specifically after at least eight hours of not eating. These two tests provide different snapshots of glycemic control.
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