A healthcare professional reviewing a client's medical record notes a new prescription for verifying the trough level of the client's medication. Which of the following actions should the professional take?
- A. Obtain a blood specimen immediately prior to administering the next dose of medication.
- B. Verify that the client has been taking the medication for 24 hours before obtaining a blood specimen.
- C. Ask the client to provide a urine specimen after the next dose of medication.
- D. Administer the medication, and obtain a blood specimen 30 minutes later.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To verify trough levels of a medication, the healthcare professional should obtain a blood specimen immediately before administering the next dose of medication. This timing ensures an accurate representation of the medication's lowest concentration in the bloodstream, which is crucial for therapeutic monitoring and dose adjustments.
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A client is taking Epoetin Alfa for anemia. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. White blood cell count
- B. Platelet count
- C. Hematocrit
- D. Serum potassium level
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should monitor the hematocrit level to evaluate the effectiveness of Epoetin Alfa therapy since it stimulates red blood cell production. Hematocrit reflects the volume of red blood cells in the blood, providing a direct measure of the therapy's impact on increasing red blood cell mass and addressing anemia.
A client is starting therapy with cisplatin. Which of the following findings should the nurse instruct the client to report?
- A. Tinnitus
- B. Nausea
- C. Constipation
- D. Weight gain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tinnitus should be reported by the client as it can be indicative of ototoxicity, an adverse effect associated with cisplatin therapy. Ototoxicity can result in damage to the inner ear structures, leading to hearing problems. Therefore, prompt reporting of tinnitus is essential for early intervention and prevention of potential complications.
A client is receiving discharge instructions for a new prescription of Prednisone. Which of the following dietary instructions should be included?
- A. Increase your intake of potassium-rich foods.
- B. Increase your intake of dairy products.
- C. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- D. Decrease your intake of protein.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client is prescribed Prednisone, there is a risk of potassium depletion due to the medication. Therefore, it is essential to increase the intake of potassium-rich foods such as bananas, oranges, and spinach to help maintain adequate potassium levels in the body and prevent complications associated with low potassium levels.
A healthcare professional working in an emergency department is caring for a client who has Benzodiazepine toxicity due to an overdose. Which of the following actions is the healthcare professional's priority?
- A. Administer flumazenil.
- B. Identify the client's level of orientation.
- C. Infuse IV fluids.
- D. Prepare the client for gastric lavage.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When managing a client with Benzodiazepine toxicity, the priority action for the healthcare professional is to assess the client. Identifying the client's level of orientation allows the healthcare professional to understand the client's cognitive status, which is crucial for further interventions and decision-making in the care plan.
An adolescent client has a new prescription for Clomipramine for OC. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include to minimize an adverse effect of this medication?
- A. Wear sunglasses when outdoors.
- B. Check your temperature daily.
- C. Take this medication in the morning.
- D. Add extra calories to your diet.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: To minimize the adverse effect of photophobia associated with Clomipramine, the client should be advised to wear sunglasses when outdoors. Clomipramine is a tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) known to cause anticholinergic effects like photophobia, which can be reduced by protecting the eyes with sunglasses when exposed to bright light.