A client receives a prescription for golimumab for psoriasis. Which information should the practical nurse (PN) obtain prior to administration?

Choice A reason: A neurological exam assesses brain function but does not directly address glipizide-related symptoms like confusion and blurred vision, which suggest hypoglycemia. Glipizide, a sulfonylurea, lowers blood glucose, and these symptoms are likely due to low glucose levels, making glucose testing more urgent than a neurological evaluation.

Choice B reason: Administering glucagon treats severe hypoglycemia but is premature without confirming low blood glucose. Glipizide increases insulin release, potentially causing hypoglycemia, but a fingerstick glucose test is needed first to verify the cause of symptoms. This choice is incorrect without diagnostic confirmation.

Choice C reason: Measuring vital signs provides general health data but does not specifically address confusion and blurred vision caused by glipizide-induced hypoglycemia. Low blood glucose is the likely cause, and testing glucose levels is more direct and urgent than monitoring vital signs, which are secondary in this context.

Choice D reason: Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose is critical, as glipizide can cause hypoglycemia, leading to confusion and blurred vision. These symptoms result from insufficient glucose in the brain and eyes. Confirming low glucose guides immediate treatment, such as glucose administration, making this the most appropriate action.

Choice A reason: Pupils equal and reactive to light assess neurological status, not bronchodilator effectiveness. Bronchodilators, like albuterol, relax airway smooth muscles, improving breathing in emphysema. Pupil response is unrelated to respiratory function, making this choice irrelevant for evaluating the drug’s impact.

Choice B reason: Heart rate of 106 beats/minute may reflect a bronchodilator side effect, as beta-agonists stimulate cardiac beta receptors, causing tachycardia. However, it does not measure effectiveness, which is assessed by improved airway function, like respiratory rate, making this choice incorrect.

Choice C reason: Respiratory rate of 22 breaths/minute indicates bronchodilator effectiveness, as these drugs dilate airways, reducing work of breathing in emphysema. A normalized rate suggests improved airflow and oxygenation, directly reflecting the drug’s therapeutic action on bronchial smooth muscle relaxation.

Choice D reason: Urine output of 40 mL/hour monitors renal function, not bronchodilator efficacy. Bronchodilators target airway dilation, not fluid balance. This finding is unrelated to emphysema treatment or the drug’s respiratory effects, making it irrelevant for assessing medication effectiveness.