The nurse reviews a primary health care provider's prescriptions and notes that a topical nitrate is prescribed. The nurse notes that acetaminophen is prescribed to be administered before the nitrate. The nurse implements the prescription with which understanding about why acetaminophen is prescribed?
- A. Headache is a common side effect of nitrates.
- B. Fever usually accompanies myocardial infarction.
- C. Acetaminophen potentiates the therapeutic effect of nitrates.
- D. Acetaminophen does not interfere with platelet action as acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) does.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Headache occurs as a side effect of nitrates in many clients. Acetaminophen may be administered before nitrates to prevent headaches or minimize the discomfort from the headaches.
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The nurse reviews the results of a blood chemistry profile for a client who is experiencing late-stage salicylate poisoning and metabolic acidosis. Which serum study should the nurse review for data about the client's acid-base balance?
- A. Sodium
- B. Potassium
- C. Magnesium
- D. Phosphorus
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A client with late-stage salicylate poisoning is at risk for metabolic acidosis because acetylsalicylic acid increases the client's hydrogen ion (H+) concentration, decreases the pH, and creates a bicarbonate deficit. Hyperkalemia develops as the body attempts to compensate for the influx of H+ by moving H+ into the cell and potassium out of the cell; thus, potassium accumulates in the extracellular space. Clinical manifestations of metabolic acidosis include the clinical indicators of hyperkalemia, including hyperpnea, central nervous system depression, twitching, and seizures. Options 1, 3, and 4 are not primary concerns.
The nurse is caring for a client who has experienced a thoracic spinal cord injury. In the event that spinal shock occurs, which intravenous (IV) fluid should the nurse anticipate being prescribed?
- A. Dextran
- B. 0.9% normal saline
- C. 5% dextrose in water
- D. 5% dextrose in 0.9% normal saline
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Normal saline 0.9% is an isotonic solution that primarily remains in the intravascular space, increasing intravascular volume. This IV fluid would increase the client's blood pressure. Dextran is rarely used in spinal shock because isotonic fluid administration is usually sufficient. Additionally, Dextran has potential adverse effects. Dextrose 5% in water is a hypotonic solution that pulls fluid out of the intravascular space and is not indicated for shock. Dextrose 5% in normal saline 0.9% is hypertonic and may be indicated for shock resulting from hemorrhage or burns.
The nurse in the prenatal clinic is monitoring a client who is pregnant with twins. The nurse monitors the client closely for which priority complication that is associated with a twin pregnancy?
- A. Hemorrhoids
- B. Postterm labor
- C. Maternal anemia
- D. Costovertebral angle tenderness
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Maternal anemia often occurs in twin pregnancies because of a greater demand for iron by the fetuses. Options 1 and 4 occur in a twin pregnancy but would not be as high a priority as anemia. Option 2 is incorrect because twin pregnancies often end in prematurity.
A client experiencing empyema is to have a bedside thoracentesis performed. The nurse plans to have which equipment available in the event that the procedure is not effective?
- A. Code cart
- B. A small-bore needle
- C. Extra-large drainage bottle
- D. Chest tube and drainage system
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Empyema is the collection of pus within the pleural cavity. If the exudate is too thick for drainage via thoracentesis, the client may require placement of a chest tube to adequately drain the purulent effusion. A small-bore needle would not effectively allow exudate to drain. Options 1 and 3 are also unnecessary.
The nurse provides information to a client diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Which manifestations resulting from a blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dL (4 mmol/L) should the nurse include in the information? Select all that apply.
- A. Hunger
- B. Sweating
- C. Weakness
- D. Nervousness
- E. Cool clammy skin
- F. Increased urinary output
Correct Answer: A,B,C,D,E
Rationale: Hypoglycemia is characterized by a blood glucose level less than 70 mg/dL (4 mmol/L). Clinical manifestations of hypoglycemia include hunger, sweating, weakness, nervousness, cool clammy skin, blurred vision or double vision, tachycardia, and palpitations. Increased urinary output is a manifestation of hyperglycemia.