A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for methimazole for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
“This medication can cause constipation.”.
“I will contact the provider if my throat becomes sore.”.
“I will weigh myself once a week while on this medication.”.
“This medication should be taken as needed when symptoms occur.”.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Methimazole does not typically cause constipation. It is used to treat hyperthyroidism by inhibiting the production of thyroid hormones.
Choice B rationale
A sore throat can be a sign of agranulocytosis, a serious side effect of methimazole that involves a dangerously low white blood cell count. Patients are advised to contact their provider if they experience a sore throat.
Choice C rationale
While monitoring weight is important for patients with hyperthyroidism, it is not a specific instruction related to methimazole use.
Choice D rationale
Methimazole should be taken regularly as prescribed, not on an as-needed basis.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Incorrect packaging, such as a topical medication packaged as an oral medication, can lead to medication errors. However, it is not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Packaging errors are relatively rare and usually caught before administration.
Choice B rationale
Delivery device problems, such as an infusion pump malfunction, can cause medication errors. These errors can be serious but are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. Device malfunctions are often detected and corrected by healthcare professionals.
Choice C rationale
Name confusion between two medications with similar sounding names is the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. This type of error occurs when medications with similar names are confused, leading to the administration of the wrong drug. This can have serious and sometimes fatal consequences.
Choice D rationale
Incorrect labeling of a medication dispensed by the pharmacy can lead to medication errors. While labeling errors are a significant concern, they are not the most frequent cause of fatal medication errors. These errors are often identified and corrected before administration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Limiting caffeine is not the first action the nurse should take. While caffeine can exacerbate symptoms of BPH, it is not the priority action when starting doxazosin IR3.
Choice B rationale
Reporting headaches is important, but it is not the first action the nurse should take. Headaches can be a side effect of doxazosin, but monitoring the patient’s initial response to the medication is more critical.
Choice C rationale
Measuring the client’s intake and output is important for monitoring urinary symptoms, but it is not the first action the nurse should take when starting doxazosin IR3.
Choice D rationale
Administering the medication at bedtime is the correct first action. Doxazosin can cause dizziness and hypotension, especially after the first dose, so taking it at bedtime can help minimize these effects.