When monitoring a patient who is taking intravenous dexamethasone, the nurse will monitor for signs of which condition?

Dehydration

Hypoglycemia

Hyponatremia

Hypokalemia

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Dehydration is not a primary concern with intravenous dexamethasone, a corticosteroid. While corticosteroids can cause fluid retention due to mineralocorticoid effects, leading to edema, they do not typically cause dehydration. Monitoring fluid status is important, but hypokalemia is a more direct electrolyte imbalance associated with corticosteroid use.

Choice B reason: Hypoglycemia is not a common side effect of dexamethasone. This corticosteroid increases blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and insulin resistance, potentially causing hyperglycemia, especially in diabetic patients. Monitoring for elevated glucose is more relevant than hypoglycemia, which is not typically induced by corticosteroids.

Choice C reason: Hyponatremia is less likely with dexamethasone, which has minimal mineralocorticoid activity compared to drugs like hydrocortisone. It may cause fluid retention, but significant sodium depletion is rare. Hypokalemia is a more prominent electrolyte disturbance due to potassium excretion induced by corticosteroid effects on renal tubules.

Choice D reason: Hypokalemia is a known side effect of dexamethasone, as corticosteroids enhance renal potassium excretion by stimulating mineralocorticoid receptors. This disrupts electrolyte balance, potentially causing muscle weakness, arrhythmias, or fatigue. Monitoring serum potassium levels is critical during intravenous administration to prevent complications from hypokalemia in patients receiving dexamethasone.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Montelukast is not tapered or discontinued when symptoms improve, as it is a maintenance therapy for asthma. Stopping it may lead to recurrence of inflammation, as it blocks leukotriene receptors, preventing bronchoconstriction and inflammation, requiring consistent use for sustained control.

Choice B reason: Montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist, requires daily oral administration to maintain its anti-inflammatory effects by blocking leukotriene D4 receptors. Continuous use prevents asthma exacerbations, even during symptom-free periods, ensuring long-term airway stability and reducing the risk of flare-ups.

Choice C reason: Montelukast is not used for acute asthma attacks due to its slow onset (hours). It is a maintenance therapy, not a rescue medication like albuterol, which provides rapid bronchodilation. Patients should carry beta-agonists, not montelukast, for acute symptom relief.

Choice D reason: Montelukast is an oral tablet, not an inhaled medication, so inhalation technique is irrelevant. Its action involves systemic leukotriene receptor blockade, reducing airway inflammation. Proper administration requires consistent daily dosing, not device-specific techniques, making this instruction incorrect for montelukast.

A. Drug therapy will last until the symptoms have stopped. B. You will be on this drug therapy for the rest of your life. C. You should expect to take these drugs for 6 to 9 months or more. D. Drug therapy will continue until the tuberculosis develops resistance.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Tuberculosis therapy does not stop when symptoms resolve, as residual bacteria may persist, leading to relapse. Standard regimens (e.g., isoniazid, rifampin) last 6-9 months to ensure complete eradication of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, guided by sputum cultures and imaging, not just symptom cessation.

Choice B reason: Lifelong tuberculosis therapy is not typical for active disease. Standard treatment lasts 6-9 months for drug-susceptible tuberculosis, achieving cure in most cases. Lifelong therapy may apply to certain chronic infections, but for tuberculosis, finite regimens are effective, making this statement incorrect.

Choice C reason: Standard treatment for active tuberculosis involves a 6- to 9-month regimen of first-line drugs (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide). This duration ensures complete bacterial eradication, preventing relapse or resistance. Longer durations may be needed for resistant strains or extrapulmonary disease, aligning with clinical guidelines.

Choice D reason: Therapy does not continue until resistance develops, as this would indicate treatment failure. The goal is to eradicate Mycobacterium tuberculosis before resistance emerges, using combination therapy for 6-9 months. Continuing until resistance occurs is counterproductive and increases the risk of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

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When monitoring a patient who is taking intravenous dexamethasone, the nurse will monitor for signs of which condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The prescriber has changed the patient’s medication regimen to include the leukotriene receptor antagonist (LTRA) montelukast to treat asthma. The nurse will emphasize which point about this medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A patient who has started drug therapy for tuberculosis wants to know how long he will be on the medications. Which response by the nurse is correct?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which adverse effect can result if tetracycline is administered to children younger than 8 years of age?

A patient with coronary artery disease asks the nurse about the "good cholesterol" laboratory values. The nurse knows that "good cholesterol" refers to which lipids?

Which time frame describes the onset of action for intravenous (IV) heparin?

After receiving a nebulizer treatment with albuterol, the patient states she is feeling slightly jittery and wonders if she is having a bad reaction. What is the nurse’s best response?

A patient with a known heart condition is prescribed an antibiotic before a dental procedure. What type of antibiotic therapy is this considered?

When teaching a patient who is beginning antilipemic therapy about possible drug-food interactions, the nurse will discuss which food?

When educating a client who was recently prescribed inhaled corticosteroids, the nurse will discuss which potential adverse effects?

The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed prednisone. The nurse checks the patient’s medical history knowing that this therapy is contraindicated in which disorder?