A client with symptoms of influenza that started the previous day asks the clinic nurse about taking oseltamivir to treat the infection. Which response should the nurse provide?
Advise the client that once symptoms occur it is too late to receive an influenza vaccination.
Explain to the client that antibiotics are not useful in treating viral infections such as influenza.
Refer the client to the healthcare provider at the clinic to obtain a medication prescription.
Instruct the client that over-the-counter medications are sufficient to manage influenza symptoms.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale
Advising the client that it is too late to receive an influenza vaccination once symptoms occur is correct, but it does not address the client’s question about oseltamivir.
Choice B rationale
Explaining that antibiotics are not useful in treating viral infections is correct, but it does not address the client’s question about oseltamivir.
Choice C rationale
Referring the client to the healthcare provider to obtain a medication prescription is the most appropriate response. Oseltamivir is an antiviral medication that can be effective if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.
Choice D rationale
Instructing the client that over-the-counter medications are sufficient to manage influenza symptoms is not appropriate, as oseltamivir can help reduce the severity and duration of the illness if taken early.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Lactulose is a synthetic sugar used to treat hepatic encephalopathy by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the intestines. Ammonia is a neurotoxin that can impair mental status in patients with liver dysfunction. By decreasing ammonia levels, lactulose helps improve cognitive function and mental status in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Choice B rationale
While lactulose can cause diarrhea as a side effect, the therapeutic goal in hepatic encephalopathy is not to reduce the number of liquid stools but to lower ammonia levels in the blood. The reduction in ammonia levels leads to improved mental status, not necessarily a reduction in liquid stools.
Choice C rationale
The ability to ambulate independently is not a direct therapeutic response to lactulose. The primary goal of lactulose therapy in hepatic encephalopathy is to improve mental status by reducing ammonia levels, not to enhance physical mobility.
Choice D rationale
Lactulose does not have a direct effect on urine output. Its primary mechanism of action is to reduce ammonia absorption in the intestines, thereby improving mental status in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Tiotropium is a long-acting bronchodilator used daily to manage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It helps to relax the muscles around the airways, making it easier to breathe. This medication is not intended for immediate relief of acute symptoms but for long-term control of COPD1.
Choice B rationale
Using another inhaler in between uses of tiotropium is not necessary unless prescribed by a healthcare provider. Tiotropium is meant to be used daily, and other inhalers may be prescribed for different purposes, such as rescue inhalers for sudden symptoms.
Choice C rationale
While tiotropium can help improve breathing and reduce symptoms over time, it is not specifically indicated to reduce the thickness of sputum. Other medications or treatments may be needed to address sputum consistency.
Choice D rationale
Tiotropium is not a rescue inhaler and should not be used for sudden shortness of breath. Rescue inhalers, such as albuterol, are designed for immediate relief of acute symptoms.