A patient who is newly diagnosed with type I diabetes mellitus asks why insulin must be given by subcutaneous injection instead of by mouth.  The nurse will explain that this is because  

A woman is placed on metformin (Glucophage) that increases insulin sensitivity and typically results in a loss of body weight.  Which adverse effect commonly results from taking this medication?

A patient has been started on an oral treatment regimen to improve their hypothyroidism. When can the patient  expect to see an improvement in their symptoms?

The nurse is caring for a patient who will begin taking atenolol (Tenormin), a beta blocker.  What information will the nurse include when teaching the patient about taking this medication?

A patient is diagnosed with borderline hypertension and states a desire to make lifestyle changes to avoid needing to take medication. The nurse will recommend which changes?

The nurse is instructing a patient who will take methylcellulose (Citrucel), a synthetic bulk-forming laxative, to prevent constipation.  What information will the nurse include when teaching this patient?

A patient has received an antibiotic to take for a week before planned oral surgery. The nurse knows that this is an example of:

The nurse receives a Lithium level of 2.0 mEq/L (therapeutic range- 0.6 – 1.2 mEq/L)  from the lab on a patient who was admitted last night. The next action should be

The nurse is preparing to administer an antibiotic to a patient who has been receiving the antibiotic for 3 days after a culture was obtained.  The nurse notes increased redness and swelling, and the patient has a persistent high fever of 100.8 degrees F.  What is the nurse’s next action?

Which education will the nurse include when teaching the patient about lithium therapy?