A client has a history of atrial fibrillation and is taking an oral anticoagulant. The client has been newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism and placed on levothyroxine.
What assessment should the nurse prioritize?
Monitoring the client for increased bruising.
Assessing for signs and symptoms of infection.
Assessing the client’s level of consciousness.
Monitoring the client’s electrolyte levels.
The Correct Answer is A
This is because levothyroxine can increase the anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should check the client’s prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) regularly and report any abnormal values to the prescriber.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because hypothyroidism does not affect the level of consciousness unless it is severe and causes myxedema coma.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause electrolyte imbalances.
Normal ranges for prothrombin time are 11 to 13.5 seconds and for INR are 0.8 to 1.22.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse would assess these factors to determine the need for therapy. Some possible explanations for the other choices are:
Choice A. Number of times client’s family reports the client is nauseated.
This is not a reliable indicator of the severity or cause of nausea and vomiting.
The nurse should assess the client directly and not rely on the family’s reports.
Choice B. How well the client is eating.
This is not a specific or objective measure of nausea and vomiting.
The client may have other reasons for not eating well, such as loss of appetite, taste changes, or pain.
The nurse should also monitor the client’s weight, hydration status, and electrolyte levels.
Choice D. Client’s nutritional status and fluid balance.
These are important aspects of the client’s overall health, but they are not directly related to nausea and vomiting.
The nurse should assess these factors as part of the comprehensive care plan, but they are not sufficient to determine the need for therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Glargine is a long-acting insulin that can provide a steady level of insulin for up to 24 hours. This would be suitable for a client who does not want to administer insulin on the plane, as they can take it once a day at the same time.
Choice A. Glulisine is wrong because glulisine is a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and lasts for 3 to 4 hours.
This would require frequent injections and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Choice B. Lispro is wrong because lispro is also a rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and lasts for 3 to 4 hours.
This would also require frequent injections and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Choice C. Aspart is wrong because aspart is another rapid-acting insulin that starts working within 15 minutes and lasts for 3 to 4 hours.
This would also require frequent injections and monitoring of blood glucose levels.
Normal ranges for blood glucose levels are 70 to 130 mg/dL before meals and less than 180 mg/dL two hours after meals.
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