A nurse is caring for a client who is prescribed warfarin. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse review to evaluate the therapeutic effect of this medication?
- A. aPTT
- B. INR
- C. Serum glucose
- D. Bilirubin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: INR. The International Normalized Ratio (INR) is the most reliable test for evaluating the therapeutic effects of warfarin therapy. INR measures the clotting ability of the blood and helps determine if the dosage of warfarin is within the therapeutic range. Choice A, aPTT, is not typically used to monitor the effects of warfarin. Choice C, Serum glucose, and choice D, Bilirubin, are not relevant to monitoring the therapeutic effect of warfarin.
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A client is prescribed propranolol. Which of the following client history findings would require the nurse to clarify this medication prescription?
- A. Asthma
- B. Hypertension
- C. Tachydysrhythmias
- D. Urolithiasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Asthma. Clients with asthma should avoid Beta2 Blockade agents like propranolol as they can lead to bronchoconstriction, potentially worsening asthma symptoms. Choice B, hypertension, is not a contraindication for propranolol; in fact, it is commonly prescribed for hypertension. Choice C, tachydysrhythmias, is often an indication for propranolol due to its antiarrhythmic properties. Choice D, urolithiasis, does not directly impact the use of propranolol.
A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is prescribed acetaminophen for pain. Which of the following lab values should the nurse monitor to identify an adverse effect of the medication?
- A. Serum glucose
- B. Serum creatinine
- C. Serum potassium
- D. Serum bilirubin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Serum creatinine. Acetaminophen is metabolized by the liver, so serum creatinine levels should be monitored for potential hepatotoxicity. Monitoring serum creatinine can help detect liver damage, a potential adverse effect of acetaminophen. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because serum glucose is not directly affected by acetaminophen, serum potassium is not typically monitored for acetaminophen adverse effects, and serum bilirubin is more related to bile metabolism rather than acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.
A nurse is caring for a client with hypothyroidism. Which of the following findings indicates that the client is experiencing an adverse effect from the prescribed levothyroxine?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Weight loss
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Tachycardia is the correct answer as it is an adverse effect of levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is a medication used to treat hypothyroidism by supplementing the body with thyroid hormone. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, can indicate an overdosage or increased sensitivity to levothyroxine. Bradycardia, slow heart rate, weight loss, and increased appetite are not typically associated with adverse effects of levothyroxine. Bradycardia may actually be a symptom of untreated hypothyroidism.
A nurse is providing client education on how to administer insulin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Administer the insulin into the deltoid muscle
- B. Rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy
- C. Massage the site after injection
- D. Use the same site for each injection
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct instruction for administering insulin is to rotate injection sites to prevent lipodystrophy, a common complication of insulin therapy. Injecting into the deltoid muscle (Choice A) is not recommended for insulin injections. Massaging the site after injection (Choice C) is not necessary and can potentially increase the risk of lipodystrophy. Using the same site for each injection (Choice D) can lead to localized tissue damage and absorption irregularities, making it an incorrect choice.
A nurse is caring for a client with diabetes and a new prescription for 14 units of regular insulin and 28 units of NPH insulin subcutaneously at breakfast daily. What is the total number of units of insulin that the nurse should prepare in the insulin syringe?
- A. 14 units
- B. 28 units
- C. 32 units
- D. 42 units
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should combine both orders of insulin in the same syringe. To prepare the correct dose, the nurse should withdraw the regular insulin first (14 units) and then the NPH insulin (28 units), totaling 42 units. This combination ensures the client receives the prescribed doses of both types of insulin. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the nurse needs to prepare and administer both types of insulin as prescribed, resulting in a total of 42 units in the syringe.