Ferrous sulfate elixir is prescribed for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which instruction should the nurse provide this client about taking the liquid medication?

Choice A reason:

Decreased episodes of incontinence are not a relevant outcome of administering zolpidem. Zolpidem is a sedative-hypnotic medication primarily used to treat insomnia by enhancing the activity of GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It does not affect urinary function or bladder control. Incontinence may be caused by other factors such as aging, prostate problems, or urinary tract infections, but it is not influenced by zolpidem.

Choice B reason:

Improved ability to concentrate is not a pertinent outcome of administering zolpidem. This medication does not enhance cognitive function or attention span. In fact, zolpidem may impair memory and cause daytime drowsiness or confusion in some patients. Its primary function is to induce sleep, not to improve concentration.

Choice C reason:

Exhibiting fewer emotional outbursts is not a significant outcome of administering zolpidem. This medication does not affect mood or behavior. In some cases, zolpidem may cause paradoxical reactions such as agitation, aggression, or hallucinations, especially in older adults. Therefore, it is not used to manage emotional outbursts.

Choice D reason:

Sleeps soundly through the night is the desired outcome of administering zolpidem. This medication is specifically designed to treat sleep problems, particularly difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. By enhancing the activity of GABA, zolpidem helps induce and maintain sleep, which is the primary goal when prescribing this medication to patients with insomnia.

Choice A Reason:

Contact the healthcare provider: Given the client’s history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity with cephalexin, a cephalosporin. Although the risk of cross-reactivity is relatively low, it is still significant enough to warrant caution. Studies indicate that 1-4% of people with a true penicillin allergy may also react to cephalosporins. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to discuss alternative antibiotics or additional precautions.

Choice B Reason:

Give with prescribed antihistamine: While antihistamines can help manage mild allergic reactions, they are not sufficient to prevent or treat anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical intervention, including epinephrine administration. Therefore, relying solely on antihistamines is not an appropriate or safe action in this scenario.

Choice C Reason:

Administer the medication as prescribed: Administering cephalexin without consulting the healthcare provider could put the client at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Given the client’s history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, it is crucial to verify the safety of cephalexin with the healthcare provider before administration.

Choice D Reason:

Monitor the client for a rash or hives: While monitoring for allergic reactions is essential, it should not be the primary action in this case. The priority is to prevent a potential severe allergic reaction by consulting the healthcare provider before administering the medication. Monitoring alone does not address the underlying risk of cross-reactivity.