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 B
Explanation
A. "Take this medication with a small sip of water or on an empty stomach":
This response is not ideal for calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is typically taken with food to help increase its absorption and to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal discomfort, such as constipation or bloating. Taking it on an empty stomach could cause irritation and is not the standard guideline for this medication.
B. "This medication should be taken two hours before other medications":
This is the most appropriate response. Calcium carbonate can interfere with the absorption of other medications, particularly those that require an acidic environment for proper absorption, such as certain antibiotics (e.g., tetracyclines) and thyroid medications. Therefore, taking calcium carbonate two hours before or after other medications helps to prevent such interactions.
C. "Place this medication underneath your tongue and let it dissolve":
Calcium carbonate is typically taken orally in tablet form, not sublingually. The medication should not be dissolved under the tongue, as it is not designed for that route of administration. This would be an incorrect instruction.
D. "You can take as many doses of this medication as you need":
This statement is not accurate. Calcium carbonate should be taken as prescribed and in the correct dosage to avoid side effects such as hypercalcemia or kidney stones. Overuse of calcium supplements can lead to serious complications, and it should not be taken "as needed" without specific instructions from the healthcare provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) The client will remain free from visible bleeding, bruising, and signs of internal bleeding (tachycardia and hypotension) during this shift: This is the most appropriate outcome for the "Risk for bleeding" nursing diagnosis. Since both aspirin and warfarin are anticoagulants, they increase the client's risk of bleeding. The priority is to monitor for and prevent any signs of visible bleeding, bruising, or more serious internal bleeding, which could manifest as tachycardia or hypotension. This outcome directly addresses the client's safety by focusing on detecting and preventing bleeding complications.
B) The client will verbalize understanding of dietary restrictions while on warfarin and provide examples of foods that contain vitamin K during this shift: While this is an important goal for clients on warfarin (because vitamin K can interfere with the effectiveness of warfarin), it is not the most immediate concern in the context of the "Risk for bleeding" diagnosis. Dietary restrictions should be discussed but are not as time-sensitive or directly related to the prevention of bleeding in the short term, especially during this shift.
C) The client will state their pain level is less than 4 on a 0-10 pain scale during aspirin therapy: While managing pain is important, this outcome does not directly address the risk for bleeding associated with both aspirin and warfarin therapy. The priority nursing concern here is preventing bleeding, not pain management during aspirin therapy.
D) The client will remain free from any signs and symptoms of deep vein thrombosis (DVT): While preventing DVT is important for patients on anticoagulant therapy, the focus of this nursing diagnosis is on the risk of bleeding, not thrombosis. Therefore, this outcome is not as relevant to the immediate concerns related to the prescribed medications (aspirin and warfarin).
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