A nurse is administering epinephrine to a patient during a cardiac arrest in the presence of the patient’s family. The family is visibly distressed and asks the nurse about the purpose of the medication. How should the nurse respond to address the family’s concerns and explain the primary desired action of epinephrine during a cardiac arrest?

Some OTC drugs for cold symptoms contain substances that have sympathetic properties. These drugs are contraindicated in patients with which disease process? 

Question 32 & 33 will be based off this case study: A 65-year-old client presents to the clinic with nasal congestion and requests an over-the-counter decongestant. The client’s medical history includes: Hypertension Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Chronic Kidney Disease (Stage 3) Controlled Atrial Fibrillation Prescribed Medications: Lisinopril, Metformin, and Warfarin Scenario: The client asks if it is safe to take an over-the-counter decongestant. The nurse must evaluate the safety of using decongestants in light of the client’s medical conditions and current medications. Based on the client’s medical history, which conditions or factors should the nurse consider as contraindications or requiring caution when using decongestants? Select all that apply.

A patient with a serum potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L will receive intravenous potassium to replace serum losses. The patient expresses anxiety about receiving the treatment, worried about potential side effects. How will the nurse address the patient’s concerns while administering the potassium safely?

A patient experiences a blood clot in one leg, and the provider has ordered a thrombolytic medication. The patient expresses concern about the high cost of the medication and asks the nurse if it is really necessary. How should the nurse respond to address both the medical importance of the medication and the patient’s financial concern?

The nurse is caring for a patient who will receive 10% calcium gluconate to treat a serum potassium level of 5.9 mEq/L. The nurse performs a drug history prior to beginning the infusion. Which drug taken by the patient would cause concern?

The order reads: Diltiazem 0.25 mg/kg bolus over 2 minutes, then 15 minutes later, rebolus with 0.35 mg/kg IV, and then start a maintenance infusion at 10 mg/h. The patient weighs 65 kg, and the available diltiazem for bolus administration is 25 mg/5 mL. Based on the patient’s weight, calculate the total bolus in milligrams. Then evaluate whether this dosage is appropriate for the patient’s clinical condition, given that the standard bolus dosing range for diltiazem is 0.25-0.35 mg/kg. Would you recommend administering the calculated dose, or would you suggest an adjustment?

The nurse is preparing to administer the first dose of hydrochlorothiazide 50 mg to a patient with a blood pressure of 160/95 mm Hg. The nurse notes that the patient had a urine output of 200 mL in the past 12 hours. Considering the patient’s current condition and the pharmacologic effects of hydrochlorothiazide, the nurse must develop a comprehensive plan of care. What action should the nurse take? 

A parent asks a nurse about giving diphenhydramine [Benadryl] to a child to relieve cold symptoms. Which response by the nurse is correct?

The nurse should instruct a patient to tapper off medication gradually and not suddenly stop taking antihypertensives in order to avoid which of the following?