Endocrine System
This medication's absorption is best when taken on an empty stomach, 30–60 minutes before breakfast.
What is levothyroxine?
This rapid-acting insulin should be administered exactly 15 minutes before a meal.
What is lispro?
This harmless, yet surprising, side effect is commonly seen in patients taking doxorubicin.
What is red urine?
This is a classic side effect of phenytoin that requires the nurse to teach the patient about good oral hygiene.
What is gingival hyperplasia?
A patient with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) arrives in the emergency department. What is the nurse’s first priority?
Start IV fluids
A patient taking hydrocortisone for Addison’s disease presenting with 2+ pitting edema is likely experiencing this side effect.
What is fluid overload?
This is the absolute first priority nursing action for a patient presenting with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA).
What is starting IV fluids?
Encouraging fluid intake is a priority for a patient receiving cyclophosphamide to prevent this specific bladder complication.
What is hemorrhagic cystitis?
This IV medication is considered the first-line treatment for a patient experiencing status epilepticus.
What is diazepam?
A patient receiving methotrexate for cancer develops a nosebleed and petechiae. What is the nurse’s priority action?
Check the latest CBC
A patient with diabetes insipidus is receiving desmopressin. This specific outcome indicates the medication is effectively increasing water reabsorption.
What is decreased urine output?
This oral antidiabetic drug is contraindicated in heart failure because it can cause fluid retention.
What is pioglitazone?
This side effect, characterized by menopausal symptoms, is common with the hormone therapy tamoxifen.
What are hot flashes?
Patients taking carbamazepine should avoid this specific beverage because it increases drug levels and the risk of toxicity.
What is grapefruit juice?
A patient taking phenytoin reports unsteady gait and nystagmus. What is the nurse’s priority?
Assess phenytoin level
This medication is a vasopressin antagonist that increases serum sodium in patients with SIADH.
What is tolvaptan?
This medication is administered during emergencies to rapidly raise blood glucose levels.
What is glucagon?
This plant alkaloid can cause peripheral neuropathy, making neurotoxicity a primary nursing concern.
What is vincristine?
This early sign of toxicity, characterized by involuntary eye movement, is a priority assessment for a patient on phenytoin.
What is nystagmus?
A patient with Addison’s disease on hydrocortisone develops 2+ pitting edema and shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s priority?
Assess lung sounds and vital signs
This vitamin D analog is used to treat hypoparathyroidism by increasing calcium absorption.
What is calcitriol?
This oral antidiabetic drug carries a rare risk of causing lactic acidosis, especially in patients with renal impairment.
What is metformin?
Monitoring for bleeding is a priority for patients on this antimetabolite due to its risk of bone marrow suppression.
What is methotrexate?
Women of childbearing age taking valproic acid should supplement with this to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
What is folic acid?
A patient with SIADH is receiving tolvaptan. The nurse notes confusion and muscle twitching. What is the priority action?
Check serum sodium