A client is scheduled for a spiral computed tomography (CT) scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which information in the client’s history requires follow up by the nurse?
CT scan that was performed six months earlier.
Takes metformin hydrochloride for type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Report of client’s sobriety for the last five years.
Metal hip prosthesis was placed twenty years ago.
The Correct Answer is B
A) CT scan that was performed six months earlier: A previous CT scan performed six months earlier does not necessarily require follow-up by the nurse. However, it would be important to review the results of the previous CT scan to compare findings and assess for any changes over time.
B) Takes metformin hydrochloride for type 2 diabetes mellitus: This is the correct answer. Metformin is excreted by the kidneys, and contrast media used in CT scans can potentially cause kidney damage, particularly in clients with pre-existing renal impairment. Therefore, clients taking metformin may be at increased risk of developing lactic acidosis if renal function is compromised. It is essential for the nurse to follow up on this information and coordinate with the healthcare provider to determine whether metformin should be temporarily discontinued before the CT scan and when it can be safely resumed.
C) Report of client’s sobriety for the last five years: The client’s sobriety status for the last five years is not directly relevant to the CT scan with contrast for evaluating pulmonary embolism. While substance use history is important for overall health assessment, it does not specifically require follow-up related to the CT scan.
D) Metal hip prosthesis was placed twenty years ago: The presence of a metal hip prosthesis placed twenty years ago may be relevant for certain imaging studies, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or metal artifact reduction sequence (MARS) MRI, but it is not directly related to the CT scan with contrast for pulmonary embolism evaluation. Therefore, it does not require immediate follow-up by the nurse in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Instruct the caregiver to withhold the medication until the dosage can be decreased to ensure the client's sa’ety: Withholding the medication without consulting the healthcare provider may not be appropriate, especially if the client is experiencing improvements in cognitive function. The insomnia may be a temporary side effect that could resolve with continued use or adjustment of the dosage.
B) Notify the healthcare provider that the dosage of the medication may need to be increased to manage the client's in’omnia: Increasing the dosage of rivastigmine to manage insomnia may not be the most appropriate action. It's es’ential to assess the client further and explore other interventions before considering a dosage adjustment.
C) Advise the caregiver that the purpose of the medication is to promote sleep, so a change in medication may be needed: Rivastigmine is not typically used to promote sleep. It is a cholinesterase inhibitor used to treat cognitive symptoms associated with Alzheimer's di’ease. Therefore, advising a change in medication solely based on the client's in’omnia is not appropriate.
D) Explain to the caregiver that insomnia is a common and temporary side effect when the medication is first started: Rivastigmine and other cholinesterase inhibitors may cause insomnia, especially when therapy is initiated. Educating the caregiver about this common side effect helps manage expectations and provides reassurance that the insomnia may improve over time as the client's bo’y adjusts to the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the reference range (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse. Creatinine levels within the reference range suggest normal kidney function.
B) A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10^9/L) is below the lower limit of the reference range (150,000 to 400,000/mm3). Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, increases the risk of bleeding complications, especially when administering anticoagulants like enoxaparin. Therefore, a platelet count of 100,000/mm3 requires immediate action by the nurse to assess for bleeding and notify the healthcare provider.
C) A hematocrit of 45% (0.45 volume fraction) falls within the reference range (42% to 52%) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.
D) A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L) falls within the reference range (10 to 20 mg/dl) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.
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