A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has cirrhosis and a new prescription for lactulose. The nurse should instruct the client that lactulose has which of the following therapeutic effects?
- A. Increases blood pressure
- B. Prevents esophageal bleeding
- C. Decreases heart rate
- D. Reduces ammonia levels
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Reduces ammonia levels. Lactulose is used to reduce blood ammonia levels in clients with hepatic encephalopathy. Options A, B, and C are incorrect because lactulose does not have the therapeutic effect of increasing blood pressure, preventing esophageal bleeding, or decreasing heart rate.
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A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who reports fatigue and cold intolerance. The client has an increased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and a decreased total T3 and T4 level. The nurse should anticipate a prescription for which of the following medications?
- A. Methimazole
- B. Somatropin
- C. Levothyroxine
- D. Propylthiouracil
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Levothyroxine is the correct answer. In this scenario, the client's elevated TSH and decreased T3 and T4 levels indicate hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Levothyroxine is a synthetic form of thyroid hormone that is used to replace or supplement the body's naturally produced thyroid hormones. Methimazole and Propylthiouracil are used to treat hyperthyroidism by reducing the production of thyroid hormones. Somatropin is a growth hormone used to treat growth hormone deficiency and other conditions unrelated to thyroid disorders.
A nurse in an outpatient facility is assessing a client who is prescribed furosemide 40mg daily, but the client reports she has been taking extra doses to promote weight loss. Which of the following indicates she is dehydrated?
- A. Urine specific gravity of 1.035
- B. Urine specific gravity of 444
- C. Urine specific gravity of 2000
- D. Urine specific gravity of 1111.1
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A urine specific gravity greater than 1.030 indicates dehydration. In this case, a urine specific gravity of 1.035 suggests concentrated urine, indicating dehydration. Choices B, C, and D have values that are not within the normal range for urine specific gravity and do not indicate dehydration. A urine specific gravity of 444, 2000, or 1111.1 are not physiologically possible values and are therefore incorrect.
A client with gout is prescribed allopurinol. The nurse should instruct the client to discontinue taking the medication for which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Nausea
- B. Metallic taste
- C. Fever
- D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Fever. Fever can indicate a serious hypersensitivity reaction to allopurinol, known as allopurinol hypersensitivity syndrome, which can be severe and even life-threatening. Nausea and drowsiness are common side effects of allopurinol but not necessarily indications to discontinue the medication. Metallic taste is not typically associated with allopurinol use. Therefore, the nurse should emphasize to the client the importance of reporting any signs of fever promptly for further evaluation and management.
A client with chronic kidney failure and an AV fistula for hemodialysis is prescribed epoetin alfa. Which of the following therapeutic effects should the nurse include in the teaching?
- A. Reduces blood pressure
- B. Inhibits clotting of fistula
- C. Promotes RBC production
- D. Stimulates growth of neutrophils
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Promotes RBC production. Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) to treat anemia associated with chronic kidney failure. This helps in increasing the hemoglobin levels and improving oxygen-carrying capacity. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect as epoetin alfa does not have direct effects on reducing blood pressure, inhibiting clotting of the fistula, or stimulating the growth of neutrophils.
A nurse is preparing to administer iron dextran IV to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
- A. Administer a small test dose before giving the full dose
- B. Infuse the medication over 30 seconds
- C. Monitor client closely for hypertension
- D. Administer cyanocobalamin as an antidote if toxicity occurs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct action the nurse should plan to take when preparing to administer iron dextran IV is to administer a small test dose before giving the full dose. This is done to assess for any allergic reactions that the client may have to the medication. Choice B is incorrect because iron dextran should be infused slowly over a longer period, typically over 1-2 hours to reduce the risk of adverse reactions. Choice C is incorrect because iron dextran administration is more commonly associated with hypotension rather than hypertension. Choice D is incorrect because cyanocobalamin is not used as an antidote for iron dextran toxicity; instead, treatment for iron toxicity may involve supportive care, chelation therapy, or in severe cases, iron antidotes like deferoxamine.