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The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has a finger stick blood glucose result of 130 mg/dL (7.21 mmol/L). Prior to administering the scheduled dose of acarbose, the PN is informed that the morning meal trays will be delayed 30 minutes.

Which action should the PN take?

A.

Administer the medication.

B.

Notify the healthcare provider.

C.

Obtain another finger stick blood glucose level.

D.

Hold the medication until the meal tray arrives.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is Choice D, Hold the medication until the meal tray arrives. Acarbose is an oral antidiabetic medication that works by slowing the digestion of carbohydrates in the small intestine, thereby reducing the rise in blood glucose after meals. It is important to take acarbose at the start of each main meal, as it works on the food that is consumed. If the meal is delayed, the medication should also be delayed.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Involuntary movements of the lips and tongue are typically associated with antipsychotic medications, not nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ketorolac15. Therefore, observing the client for these symptoms would not be a relevant intervention for a client taking ketorolac15.

Choice B rationale

Administering the medication at least 30 minutes before meals is not a specific requirement for ketorolac15. Therefore, this would not be a necessary intervention for a client taking this medication15.

Choice C rationale

Ketorolac, like other NSAIDs, can increase the risk of bleeding15. This can manifest as areas of ecchymosis (bruising) or other signs of bleeding on the skin15. Therefore, assessing the skin daily for these signs would be an important intervention for a client taking ketorolac15.

Choice D rationale

Peak and trough serum levels are typically monitored for medications with a narrow therapeutic index, such as certain antibiotics15. Ketorolac does not typically require

monitoring of serum levels15. Therefore, ensuring peak and trough serum levels are collected would not be a necessary intervention for a client taking this medication15.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. Antidepressant medication can take 2 to 4 weeks to become effective. Choice A rationale While it’s important to review the medication regimen if a patient is not responding to treatment, it’s also crucial to understand that antidepressants like amitriptyline don’t typically show their full effects immediately. It’s common for these medications to take several weeks before their full therapeutic effect becomes apparent. Choice B rationale A dosage increase may be considered if the patient shows no improvement after a sufficient period, typically several weeks. However, since the patient has only been on the medication for five days, it’s too early to consider a dosage increase. Choice C rationale Therapy can indeed be beneficial in treating depression and can enhance the effect of medication. However, the statement that the medication isn’t working after five days is likely due to the fact that antidepressants usually take longer to start showing effects. Choice D rationale This is the correct answer. Antidepressants like amitriptyline often take 2 to 4 weeks to start showing their full effects. It’s important for patients to know this so they don’t get discouraged and stop taking the medication too soon.

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