A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving chemotherapy. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider? Which lab value should the nurse report during chemotherapy?
- A. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL
- B. Platelet count 50,000/mm3
- C. WBC 8,000/mm3
- D. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Platelet count 50,000/mm3. During chemotherapy, patients are at risk for developing thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by low platelet count. Thrombocytopenia can lead to increased risk of bleeding and bruising. Therefore, a platelet count of 50,000/mm3 is concerning and should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management.
A: Hemoglobin of 12 g/dL is within normal range and not typically a concern during chemotherapy.
C: WBC count of 8,000/mm3 is within normal range and may not be a priority during chemotherapy unless there are other concerning symptoms.
D: Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL is within normal range and not directly related to chemotherapy effects on the patient's blood counts.
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A nurse is providing discharge teaching for a patient who has a new prescription for warfarin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include? What instructions should the nurse include for warfarin?
- A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
- B. Take the medication in the morning.
- C. Increase intake of vitamin C.
- D. Use a hard-bristled toothbrush.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Avoid foods high in vitamin K." Warfarin is a blood thinner that works by decreasing the blood's ability to clot. Vitamin K can counteract the effects of warfarin, so patients should avoid consuming large amounts of foods high in vitamin K, such as leafy greens. This instruction is crucial to ensure the medication's effectiveness and prevent complications like blood clots. Taking warfarin in the morning (B) or increasing vitamin C intake (C) does not directly impact its effectiveness. Using a hard-bristled toothbrush (D) can increase the risk of bleeding gums but is not a primary concern with warfarin therapy.
A nurse is educating a patient with multiple sclerosis who has been prescribed baclofen. What guidance should the nurse include in the education? What guidance should the nurse include for baclofen?
- A. Consume the medication on an empty stomach.
- B. Anticipate initial development of diarrhea.
- C. Discontinue the medication immediately if a headache occurs.
- D. Avoid taking antihistamines with this medication.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Correct Answer: D - Avoid taking antihistamines with this medication.
Rationale:
1. Baclofen is a muscle relaxant used to treat muscle spasms in conditions like multiple sclerosis.
2. Antihistamines can potentiate sedative effects when taken with baclofen, leading to increased drowsiness and dizziness.
3. Combining baclofen with antihistamines can result in impaired motor function and cognitive abilities.
4. It is important to educate the patient to avoid taking antihistamines while on baclofen to prevent these potential adverse effects.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
A. Consuming the medication on an empty stomach is not necessary for baclofen.
B. Diarrhea is not a common initial side effect of baclofen.
C. Headache is not a common adverse effect of baclofen that requires immediate discontinuation of the medication.
A nurse is caring for a patient who has a new prescription for gabapentin. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor for? Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for gabapentin?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Hypertension
- C. Diarrhea
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Drowsiness. Gabapentin is known to cause central nervous system side effects, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and fatigue. The nurse should monitor the patient for signs of drowsiness as it can impact their daily activities and safety. Hypertension (B), diarrhea (C), and tachycardia (D) are not commonly associated with gabapentin use. Therefore, the nurse should primarily focus on monitoring for drowsiness as the most likely adverse effect.
A nurse is instructing a patient who has been newly prescribed sumatriptan tablets for the treatment of migraine headaches. Which instructions should the nurse include? What instructions should the nurse include for sumatriptan?
- A. Report any eyelid swelling after dosage.
- B. Repeat the dose in 1 hour if the headache persists.
- C. Take the medication daily to prevent headaches.
- D. Thoroughly chew the tablet before swallowing.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Repeat the dose in 1 hour if the headache persists. Sumatriptan is used to treat acute migraine attacks, and the patient should be instructed to take a second dose if the headache does not improve after the first dose. This is important because it helps ensure adequate relief of symptoms. Choices A and D are incorrect because eyelid swelling is not a common side effect of sumatriptan, and sumatriptan tablets should be swallowed whole without chewing. Choice C is incorrect because sumatriptan is not taken daily for headache prevention; it is used as needed for acute migraine attacks.
The nurse is preparing a medication for a patient and observes the date of expiration on the vial occurred 2 months ago. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? What should the nurse do with expired medication?
- A. Discard the medication.
- B. Return the medication to the pharmacy.
- C. Notify the provider.
- D. Give the medication.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Return the medication to the pharmacy. Expired medication may be less effective or even harmful. By returning it to the pharmacy, the nurse ensures proper disposal, preventing potential harm to patients. Discarding the medication (choice A) is correct, but returning it to the pharmacy is preferred for proper disposal. Notifying the provider (choice C) may be done after returning the medication. Giving the medication (choice D) should never be an option due to safety concerns.
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