A patient taking magnesium citrate as an osmotic laxative reports abdominal cramping and diarrhea. What should the nurse recommend?
Increase fluid intake
Continue the medication; these are expected side effects
Discontinue the medication and consult a healthcare provider
Switch to a different type of laxative
The Correct Answer is B
A. Increasing fluid intake may not alleviate the cramping and diarrhea, which are common side effects of magnesium citrate.
B. Abdominal cramping and diarrhea are expected side effects of magnesium citrate, and the patient can continue the medication unless symptoms become severe.
C. Discontinuing the medication should not be recommended unless the side effects are intolerable or the patient experiences severe reactions.
D. Switching to a different type of laxative is unnecessary unless the patient has contraindications to magnesium citrate or develops severe side effects.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While assessing potassium levels is important for clients on diuretics, the immediate concern is the client's dizziness, which indicates a potential issue with blood pressure.
B. Teaching the client about the potential for orthostatic hypotension caused by hydrochlorothiazide and instructing them on safety measures (e.g., standing up slowly) is crucial to prevent falls and address the dizziness.
C. Bed rest is not necessary; the client should be educated about managing dizziness instead.
D. Withholding the medication is not warranted unless directed by a healthcare provider; the focus should be on safety education.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. "I will take this medication at bedtime to help with my symptoms." is correct; famotidine is often taken at bedtime to reduce nocturnal gastric acid secretion and help manage symptoms.
B. "I can take this medication with antacids for faster relief." is incorrect; antacids can interfere with the absorption of famotidine, and patients should be advised to separate the doses by at least an hour.
C. "I should avoid alcohol while taking this medication." is correct; alcohol can increase the risk of gastrointestinal irritation and should generally be avoided.
D. "I will monitor for signs of unusual bleeding or bruising." is correct; while famotidine is not typically associated with bleeding risks, monitoring for signs of unusual bleeding is a good practice when taking any medication, particularly in patients with risk factors.