Health Teaching on Hypokalemia & Metformin

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Questions and Answers

What is the recommended action if a patient's symptoms are unresolved after 4 to 8 weeks of therapy?

Return for follow-up. (correct)

Continue the same therapy indefinitely.

Increase the dosage of the medication.

Switch to a different medication immediately.

When should patients take esomeprazole in relation to meals?

Anytime during the day.

With meals.

Before meals. (correct)

After meals.

Which of the following symptoms should prompt a patient to report potential hypomagnesemia?

Tremor. (correct)

Headache.

Nausea.

Dry skin.

What is a common early sign of hypokalemia that patients should recognize?

Muscle weakness Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with digitalis toxicity that should be reported immediately?

Blurred vision Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements about H2-receptor antagonists is true?

They are used in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common concentration of insulin used for treatment?

U100 insulin Signup and view all the answers

What side effect may be associated with cimetidine in older adults?

Confusion. Signup and view all the answers

When taking Metformin, what should a patient do to minimize gastrointestinal problems?

Take it with meals Signup and view all the answers

Which insulin is the only one that is cloudy and requires rolling before use?

NPH insulin Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is indicative of lactic acidosis that patients on Metformin should be aware of?

Extreme fatigue Signup and view all the answers

How should antacids be administered in relation to cimetidine?

At least 1 hour after cimetidine. Signup and view all the answers

What should be drawn up first when mixing insulins?

Clear insulin before cloudy insulin Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient do if two or more doses of their medication are missed?

Consult their healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient be taught regarding alcohol consumption while on H2-receptor antagonists?

Alcohol should be avoided. Signup and view all the answers

What potential side effect may occur with long-term use of Metformin?

Decreased absorption of vitamin B12 Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary drawback of maintaining tight control of glucose levels in patients?

Hypoglycemia Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is ceftriaxone used to treat?

Bacterial infections. Signup and view all the answers

How should prefilled syringes of insulin be stored?

Vertically with the needle pointing up Signup and view all the answers

For which condition may Metformin be prescribed off-label?

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) Signup and view all the answers

When monitoring a patient’s pulse rate, what should be reported to the provider?

Pulse rate less than 60 Signup and view all the answers

Which is NOT a recommended nursing consideration when administering insulin?

Inject subcutaneously and aspirate before injection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the storage of insulin is correct?

Opened vials can be stored at room temperature for 1 month Signup and view all the answers

What effect do calcium channel blockers have on the heart?

Decrease heart contractility and conductivity Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary mechanism of action of cephalosporins?

Interfere with bacterial cell wall synthesis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following side effects is associated with cephalosporin use?

Clostridium difficile infection Signup and view all the answers

What should be monitored if a patient is taking medications that cause bleeding tendencies?

Signs of bleeding Signup and view all the answers

Which generation of cephalosporins is noted for having increased bactericidal activity against gram-negative bacteria?

Third generation Signup and view all the answers

What potential reaction should patients be informed about when taking cefotetan or cefazolin with alcohol?

Disulfiram-like reaction Signup and view all the answers

What is a common nursing consideration regarding the tolerance of ceftriaxone injections?

IM injections are frequently painful Signup and view all the answers

Why should oral suspensions of cephalosporins be refrigerated?

To prolong shelf life Signup and view all the answers

What effect does cephalosporin resistance have on bacterial treatment?

It results from beta-lactamase production Signup and view all the answers

What should a patient report if they experience gastrointestinal issues while taking oral calcium?

Increased thirst Signup and view all the answers

Which food items should be avoided before taking calcium to ensure proper absorption?

Cereals and whole grains Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant side effect associated with the use of cephalosporins?

Prolonged bleeding time Signup and view all the answers

How can a patient minimize the side effects of intramuscular injections of cephalosporins?

Rotate injection sites Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a patient experiences diarrhea while on cephalosporin therapy?

Notify the healthcare provider Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following pairs is contraindicated for reconstitution in cephalosporin injections?

Calcium diluents and Ringer solution Signup and view all the answers

What advice should be given to a patient regarding taking cefotetan or cefazolin?

Avoid alcohol to prevent disulfiram-like reactions. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for patients to refrigerate oral suspensions of cephalosporins?

To maintain potency Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

General Health Teaching

Recognize early signs of hypokalemia (muscle weakness) and digitalis toxicity (nausea, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, blurred or yellow visual disturbances).
Instruct patients to adhere strictly to the prescribed dosing regimen to avoid complications.
Emphasize the importance of monitoring pulse; report any rate below 60.
Advise patients to avoid doubling doses or discontinuing medications abruptly.
Store medications in original containers to prevent mix-ups.

Metformin (Glucophage)

Lowers blood glucose by inhibiting hepatic glucose production, improving glucose tolerance, and sensitizing insulin receptors.
Commonly used for type 2 diabetes, gestational diabetes, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Monitor for decreased appetite, nausea, diarrhea, and potential vitamin B12/folic acid absorption issues.
Teach patients to avoid alcohol and maintain a strict medication schedule.
Recognize signs of lactic acidosis: hyperventilation, muscle aches, extreme fatigue.
Ensure supplemental intake of vitamin B12 and folic acid.

Histamine 2 Receptor Antagonists (H2RA)

H2RAs (e.g., cimetidine, ranitidine) reduce gastric acid secretion by blocking histamine action on parietal cells.
Treats gastric/duodenal ulcers, heartburn, and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Potential side effects include diarrhea, constipation, confusion in older adults, and risk of gastric infection.
Counsel patients on the signs of gastric bleeding and the importance of small frequent meals.

Ceftriaxone

A cephalosporin antibiotic for treating bacterial infections; ineffective against viruses and fungi.
Each generation improves efficacy against gram-negative bacteria.
Side effects can include rash, nausea, flatulence, diarrhea, and increased risk of C. difficile infection.
Monitor for hypersensitivity reactions and assess injection sites for complications.
Do not mix ceftriaxone with calcium-containing solutions.

Insulin

Essential for managing diabetes by controlling blood glucose levels.
Indicated for type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes with failed oral agents, and diabetic emergencies.
Key adverse effects include hypoglycemia and local injection site reactions.
Educate on proper injection technique, storage, and dietary importance for effective management.
Highlight the significance of rotating injection sites to prevent tissue damage.

Calcium Channel Blockers

Medications like verapamil and diltiazem decrease heart contractility and oxygen demand through calcium blockage.
Advise patients on timing for oral calcium intake—1.5 hours after meals—and adequate hydration.
Instruct patients to recognize gastrointestinal symptoms and maintain dietary restrictions to enhance absorption.

Cephalosporin Overview

Broad-spectrum antibiotics effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Monitor for common side effects, including hypersensitivity, gastrointestinal disturbances, and bleeding tendencies.
Provide specific administration guidance (e.g., avoid certain diluents, refrigerate oral suspensions).
Notify healthcare providers of any allergic reactions or severe gastrointestinal symptoms.

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Description

This quiz covers essential health teachings related to hypokalemia recognition and the safe use of Metformin for managing diabetes. Understand the significance of adherence to medication schedules and the consequences of improper dosing. Additionally, learn about potential side effects and the importance of monitoring vital signs.