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A patient taking magnesium citrate as an osmotic laxative reports abdominal cramping and diarrhea. What should the nurse recommend?

A. Administering drugs is a fundamental duty of the nurse, ensuring that medications are given safely and according to protocols.

B. Monitoring clients for drug effects is crucial for assessing the effectiveness of medications and identifying any adverse reactions or complications.

C. Prescribing drugs is not a duty performed by nurses, as this responsibility typically falls under the purview of licensed practitioners such as physicians or nurse practitioners.

D. Evaluating clients for toxic effects is part of the nurse's responsibility to ensure patient safety and to respond to any signs of medication toxicity.

E. Educating clients/caregivers about drugs is a vital role for nurses, as it helps patients understand their medications and the importance of adherence to prescribed regimens.

A. Bruising and bleeding gums are not indicative of an allergic reaction, which would typically present with different symptoms such as rash, itching, or swelling. Administering antihistamines would not address the underlying issue.

B. The development of bruising and bleeding gums in a patient on heparin therapy suggests a bleeding complication, which is a known risk of anticoagulation therapy. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider to assess the situation and possibly adjust treatment or perform further evaluations.

C. While hypersensitivity reactions can occur with medications, the symptoms presented here are more aligned with bleeding complications than with hypersensitivity. Discontinuing heparin without consulting the provider could put the patient at risk for thromboembolic events.

D. The symptoms do not indicate an infection; therefore, initiating antibiotic therapy would not be appropriate in this context.