Question 1

The nurse overhears a physician telling a client that she will order a stool softener to aid in bowel elimination.The nurse anticipates an order for which of the following medications?&#10;A) Psyllium (Metamucil)&#10;B) Docusate sodium (Colace)&#10;C) Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)&#10;D) Lactulose (Chronulac)&#10;

Accepted Answer

Docusate sodium (Colace) is a stool softener that works by increasing the amount of water in the stool, making it easier to pass. Psyllium (Metamucil) is a bulk-forming laxative that works by absorbing water and swelling up in the intestines to help move stool through. Bisacodyl (Dulcolax) is a stimulant laxative that works by irritating the intestines to increase contractions and push stool out. Lactulose (Chronulac) is an osmotic laxative that works by drawing water into the bowel to soften stool and stimulate bowel movements, but it is typically used for severe constipation or to treat hepatic encephalopathy.

Question 2

Of the following,what is the best response when the client asks the nurse,"What is the difference between the prescription medicine that I take for gastroesophageal reflux disease and the nonprescription one being advertised on television?"

A) "The nonprescription one has a consistently higher potency."
B) "The nonprescription one has proven levels of toxicity."
C) "The nonprescription one has relatively moderate activity."
D) "The nonprescription one has limited potency."

"The nonprescription one has limited potency."

Accepted Answer

Prescription medication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is typically stronger and has higher potency than over-the-counter options. Therefore, the best response would be to explain that the nonprescription medication has limited potency compared to the prescription medication. The other answer choices are incorrect and could potentially mislead the client.

Question 3

The nurse would look to the Internet website of which of the following federal agencies for newly released information about over-the-counter package labeling?&#10;A) The Health Care Financing Administration&#10;B) The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Committee&#10;C) The OTC Drug Advisory Committee&#10;D) The Food and Drug Administration&#10;

Accepted Answer

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates the approval and labeling of over-the-counter drugs, so their website would be the most relevant and reliable source for newly released information about over-the-counter package labeling. The Health Care Financing Administration (A) oversees Medicare and Medicaid, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Committee (B) addresses Congressional budget issues, and the OTC Drug Advisory Committee (C) provides expert advice to the FDA but does not release new information on their own.

Question 4

The nurse recommends to the mother of a 4-year-old client to avoid giving the child which of the following analgesics because of the risk of Reye's syndrome?&#10;A) Acetaminophen&#10;B) Ibuprofen&#10;C) Aspirin&#10;D) Any nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug&#10;

Accepted Answer

Aspirin is associated with an increased risk of developing Reye's syndrome in children under 16 years old, especially when given during or after viral infections. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are safe alternatives for pain relief in children. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are also safe for use in children, but should be avoided in certain situations such as dehydration or kidney disease.

Question 5

The nurse cautions a client who takes an antacid with which of the following ingredients that there is an increased likelihood of constipation?&#10;A) Magnesium&#10;B) Calcium&#10;C) Aluminum&#10;D) Simethicone&#10;

Accepted Answer

Antacids containing aluminum are known to cause constipation due to their astringent effect on the intestines, which slows down bowel movements.

Question 6

A client says to the nurse,&#34;I've been taking Tylenol for years like my mother did,but I never understood why it worked.Can you explain it to me?&#34; The nurse would incorporate in a response that acetaminophen is an&#10;A) antiplatelet and antiinflammatory agent.&#10;B) analgesic and antipyretic agent.&#10;C) antipyretic and antiinflammatory agent.&#10;D) antiplatelet and antipyretic agent.&#10;

Accepted Answer

Acetaminophen is a common analgesic (pain reliever) and antipyretic (fever reducer) medication. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are chemicals in the body that cause pain and fever. It is not an antiplatelet or antiinflammatory agent.

Question 7

Which nonpharmacologic therapy for maintaining bowel function would the nurse recommend as most effective for the older adult client?&#10;A) Mineral oil supplements for nonambulatory clients&#10;B) Fresh fruits and vegetables,especially prunes&#10;C) Fluid intake of five to six glasses of water or juice each day&#10;D) Multiple exercise routines to tone various abdominal muscle groups&#10;

Accepted Answer

Nonpharmacologic therapy for maintaining bowel function in older adults should focus on diet and lifestyle modifications. Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially prunes, can help prevent constipation by adding fiber to the diet. Adequate fluid intake is also essential for maintaining bowel function. Exercise routines may be helpful, but focusing on multiple abdominal muscle groups is not necessarily the most effective approach. Mineral oil supplements should be used with caution in older adults and only under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

Question 8

The physician tells a client with a cough to take an expectorant.In follow-up teaching,the nurse recommends that the client select an over-the-counter product with which of the following ingredients?&#10;A) Guaifenesin&#10;B) Phenylephrine&#10;C) Loratadine&#10;D) Diphenhydramine&#10;

Accepted Answer

Guaifenesin is an expectorant that helps to loosen and thin mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. Phenylephrine, loratadine, and diphenhydramine are not expectorants, and do not help to relieve coughing by loosening mucus. Phenylephrine is a decongestant, loratadine is an antihistamine, and diphenhydramine is an antihistamine and sleep aid.

Question 9

Which of the following statements after client teaching best reflects the client's knowledge about the side and adverse effects of antacids?&#10;A) &#34;Antacids can increase gastric secretion.&#34;&#10;B) &#34;Antacids bind with receptors to prevent acid secretion.&#34;&#10;C) &#34;Antacids coat the stools and cause constipation.&#34;&#10;D) &#34;Antacids increase prostaglandin secretions in the gastrointestinal tract.&#34;&#10;

Accepted Answer

Antacids can lead to a rebound increase in gastric acid secretion after their effects wear off, which reflects the client's understanding of potential side effects.

Question 10

The nurse would assess a client who uses nasal decongestants excessively for which of the following?&#10;A) Rebound engorgement of the mucous membranes&#10;B) Excessively dry nose and mouth&#10;C) Habituation or addiction to the active ingredient in the product&#10;D) Eradication of chronic infection in the sinuses&#10;

Accepted Answer

Excessive use of nasal decongestants can lead to a rebound effect where the mucous membranes become more engorged, leading to further congestion and the need for continued use of the decongestant. Excessively dry nose and mouth may also occur, but this is not as specific to nasal decongestant use and can occur with other medications as well. Habituation or addiction can occur with some active ingredients in nasal decongestants, but this is not a universal issue with all products. Eradication of chronic infection in the sinuses is not a likely outcome of overuse of nasal decongestants.

Deck 11: Over-The-Counter Medications