A client is currently prescribed pantoprazole, and the nurse is reviewing the client's labs (shown below). Which lab result is of most concern to the nurse?
|
Laboratory Test |
Result |
Normal Range |
|
Sodium |
146 mEq/dL |
135-145 mEq/L |
|
Calcium |
8.2 mg/dL |
8.4-10.2 mg/dL |
|
Magnesium |
1.2 mg/dL |
1.6-2.2 mg/dL |
|
Gastric pH |
6 |
1-4 |
Sodium
Gastric pH
Calcium
Magnesium
The Correct Answer is D
A. Sodium: Sodium levels are important to monitor, but in the context of pantoprazole use, abnormal sodium levels are less commonly a direct concern. Pantoprazole primarily impacts the gastric environment rather than fluid or electrolyte balance in a way that would dramatically alter sodium levels.
B. Gastric pH: Pantoprazole works to increase gastric pH by reducing acid secretion, which is its primary therapeutic effect. A higher gastric pH is expected and beneficial in conditions like GERD or peptic ulcers.
C. Calcium: Pantoprazole, when used for extended periods, can interfere with calcium absorption, potentially leading to bone health issues like osteoporosis. However, changes in calcium levels typically do not pose an immediate or life-threatening concern unless significantly low or related to prolonged therapy. It is still something to monitor, but magnesium is a higher priority in this case.
D. Magnesium: Pantoprazole and other proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are known to cause hypomagnesemia, especially with prolonged use. Low magnesium levels can lead to serious complications, including muscle spasms, seizures, and arrhythmias. Hypomagnesemia is a well-documented side effect of long-term PPI use, making it the most critical lab result to address.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) "I will wash the inhaler once a week with running warm water.": This statement is accurate. It is important to wash the inhaler, especially the mouthpiece, at least once a week to prevent the build-up of medication residue and ensure proper function. The recommendation of using warm water is appropriate, and washing weekly is commonly advised by healthcare providers.
B) "I will administer the second puff 1 minute following the first puff.": This is correct. When using a metered-dose inhaler, it is recommended to wait about 1 minute between puffs to allow the medication to be inhaled properly and for the first dose to be fully delivered before administering the second dose. This ensures that each dose is effective.
C) "I will rinse my mouth with water or mouthwash after inhaler use.": This is a correct statement, particularly for inhaled corticosteroids. Rinsing the mouth after using an inhaler helps prevent the development of oral thrush and other side effects such as irritation or infection. It’s also a good habit to remove any leftover medication from the mouth.
D) "I will take slow deep breaths while activating the inhaler.": This statement indicates the need for additional education. The correct technique involves inhaling slowly and deeply after activating the inhaler, not while activating it. If the client exhales forcefully while pressing the inhaler, they may not be able to inhale the medication effectively. It is crucial that the client activates the inhaler and then takes a slow, deep breath to ensure the medication is delivered properly into the lungs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The nurse formulates a goal "The client will be free from infection for the duration of the hospitalization": This action reflects the planning phase of the nursing process. The planning phase involves setting goals and determining the best interventions to achieve the desired outcomes for the client. In this case, the goal is to prevent infection, which is a specific, measurable outcome that can guide further interventions.
B) The nurse assesses the client's white blood cell count: Assessing the client's white blood cell count is an important step in data collection, which is part of the assessment phase of the nursing process. It helps the nurse gather information about the client's current health status but is not a planning activity. The nurse would use the information from the assessment phase to formulate goals and plan interventions.
C) The nurse administers the ordered oral antibiotics: Administering antibiotics is an action related to the implementation phase of the nursing process. The implementation phase involves carrying out the planned interventions. In this case, the administration of antibiotics is a direct action taken to address the risk for infection, but it is not the planning phase.
D) The nurse teaches the client the appropriate hand washing technique: Teaching hand hygiene is an important intervention, but it falls under the implementation phase of the nursing process. It involves educating the client to help prevent infection, which is an action taken based on the goals and plan developed earlier. While important, it’s not the planning phase itself.
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