A client is admitted for observation with reports of progressively increasing fatigue over the past month and a brief episode of dizziness that occurred today. The client has a history of heartburn and indigestion that is self-treated with ibuprofen and antacids. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?

Reference Range:

Guaiac stool [negative]

Hemoglobin (14 to 18 g/dl. (140 to 180 g/L)]

Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Gastric Acid pH (1.5 to 3.5)

Positive guaiac of stool.

Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction).

Gastric pH 2.0.

Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (130 g/L).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) Positive guaiac of stool:
A positive guaiac test indicates the presence of occult (hidden) blood in the stool, which may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the client’s history of heartburn, indigestion, and self-treatment with ibuprofen and antacids, gastrointestinal irritation or ulceration may be occurring, leading to bleeding. Gastrointestinal bleeding can cause fatigue, dizziness, and other symptoms. Therefore, it is essential to report this finding immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

B) Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction):
A hematocrit level within the reference range (42% to 52%) is considered normal. While a slight decrease in hematocrit may indicate anemia, it is not an urgent finding that requires immediate reporting. The client’s hematocrit level of 42% is within the normal range, so it does not warrant immediate concern.

C) Gastric pH 2.0:
A gastric pH of 2.0 falls within the normal range (1.5 to 3.5) for gastric acid pH. This finding indicates normal gastric acidity and does not suggest an acute problem that requires immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

D) Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (130 g/L):
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is slightly below the lower end of the reference range (14 to 18 g/dL) but does not indicate a critical condition requiring immediate intervention. While it may suggest mild anemia, it is not an urgent finding that necessitates immediate reporting to the healthcare provider.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Stop the oral contraceptive immediately:
This instruction is incorrect and potentially harmful. Suddenly stopping oral contraceptives can lead to unintended pregnancy and disrupt the client's menstrual cycle. It's crucial for the client to continue taking their oral contraceptive unless advised otherwise by their healthcare provider.

B) Use an additional form of contraception:
This is the correct recommendation. Erythromycin is an antibiotic that can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by altering gut flora and potentially interfering with their absorption. Therefore, using an additional form of contraception, such as condoms, is advised while taking erythromycin to prevent unintended pregnancy.

C) Take the medications at least 12 hours apart:
While spacing medications apart can sometimes minimize interactions, specific instructions regarding the timing of erythromycin and oral contraceptive administration should be obtained from the healthcare provider. Simply spacing the medications apart may not sufficiently prevent contraceptive failure.

D) Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight:
This instruction is unrelated to the interaction between erythromycin and oral contraceptives. While erythromycin can increase sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity), it does not directly affect the effectiveness of oral contraceptives. Therefore, while it's important to advise clients to protect themselves from sun exposure while taking erythromycin, it's not directly related to contraceptive use.

A. Monitor blood pressure. B. Assess urine output. C. Obtain daily weights. D. Perform a bladder scan.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Monitor blood pressure:
This is the correct answer. Tamsulosin, like other alpha-blockers, can cause orthostatic hypotension, which is characterized by a sudden drop in blood pressure when transitioning from lying down or sitting to standing. Monitoring blood pressure, particularly when initiating therapy or adjusting the dosage, helps detect and manage hypotensive episodes. Clients should be advised to change positions slowly to minimize the risk of falls or injury.

B) Assess urine output:
While tamsulosin can affect urinary function by relaxing smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, it typically does not significantly impact urine output. Therefore, monitoring urine output is not a primary intervention for assessing adverse reactions to tamsulosin.

C) Obtain daily weights:
Tamsulosin is not typically associated with significant fluid retention or changes in body weight. Daily weight measurements are more relevant for assessing fluid balance in clients receiving medications such as diuretics or those with conditions like heart failure or renal disease.

D) Perform a bladder scan:
Tamsulosin does not directly affect bladder volume or urinary retention to the extent that necessitates routine bladder scanning. Bladder scans are typically performed in clients with suspected urinary retention or those at risk for urinary retention due to conditions like BPH, but it's not a standard intervention for monitoring adverse reactions to tamsulosin.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client who is taking an oral contraceptive receives a new prescription for erythromycin. Which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse perform to monitor for an adverse reaction?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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