NURS 601 Pharm-Hematological Medications

Hematological Medications 1. A client is prescribed a liquid iron preparation that has the potential to stain the teeth. The nurse should instruct the client to take which action to prevent staining of the teeth? 1. Brush the teeth before drinking the iron. 2. Drink the iron undiluted for maximal effect. 3. Dilute more than the amount prescribed to obtain the correct dosage. 4. Dilute the iron in juice, drink it through a straw, and rinse the mouth afterward. Correct answer: 4 Rationale: Liquid iron preparations will stain the teeth. The best advice for the client who needs liquid iron is to dilute the iron in juice or water, drink it through a straw, and rinse the mouth well afterward. Brushing before taking the liquid iron would not be of any benefit. The nurse would not instruct a client to take more than the prescribed amount. 2. A client is scheduled to take ticlopidine. The nurse plans to take which action before implementing this medication therapy? 1. Take the client's blood pressure. 2. Obtain a prothrombin time (PT). 3. Take the client's apical heart rate. 4. Review the results of the complete blood cell (CBC) count. Correct answer: 4 Rationale: Ticlopidine {Ticlid} is an antiplatelet agent that is used for the prevention of thrombotic stroke. Ticlopidine's effects last for the life of the platelet, 7 to 10 days. Ticlopidine also can cause neutropenia, which is an abnormally small number of mature white blood cells (WBCs). Baseline data from a CBC count are necessary before implementation of therapy, and the nurse should monitor for neutropenia during this medication therapy. If this adverse effect does occur, the health care provider is notified and therapy should be stopped. The effects of neutropenia are reversible within 1 to 3 weeks. Options 1, 2, and 3 are actions that are not specific to this medication therapy. 3. A health care provider prescribed ticlopidine to the client with thrombotic stroke. The nurse provides instructions to the client and spouse regarding the medication. Which statement made by the client indicates that education was effective?