A client who is receiving a statin medication reports the onset of muscle soreness and fatigue, and the practical nurse (PN) notes that the client's skin is warm to the touch. Which action by the PN takes priority?
Encourage the client to drink fluids.
Monitor the client's serum lipid levels.
Report the findings to the charge nurse.
Administer a PRN dose of acetaminophen.
The Correct Answer is C
The correct answer is choice C. Report the findings to the charge nurse. Choice A rationale:
Encouraging the client to drink fluids is not the priority in this situation. While hydration is important, the client's symptoms of muscle soreness, fatigue, and warm skin might indicate a potential adverse reaction to the statin medication, which requires immediate attention.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the client's serum lipid levels is not the priority at this moment. The client's current symptoms suggest a possible adverse reaction to the statin medication, and waiting for lipid level results may delay necessary interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Reporting the findings to the charge nurse is the priority action. The client's symptoms could be signs of rhabdomyolysis, a severe and potentially life-threatening condition where muscle breakdown releases toxic substances into the bloodstream. The charge nurse needs to be informed promptly so that appropriate interventions can be initiated.
Choice D rationale:
Administering a PRN dose of acetaminophen is not the priority in this situation. Acetaminophen may help with pain relief, but it will not address the potential underlying issue of muscle soreness and fatigue related to the statin medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss. It is often associated with increased intraocular pressure, which can compress the nerve fibers and reduce blood flow to the retina. The most common type of glaucoma, open-angle glaucoma, causes gradual loss of peripheral vision.
The other options are not correct because:
- Macular edema is a condition that causes swelling and fluid accumulation in the macula, the central part of the retina that is responsible for sharp and detailed vision. It can cause blurred or distorted vision, but it does not affect the optic nerve or the peripheral vision.
- Cataract is a condition that causes clouding of the lens, which is the transparent structure that focuses light onto the retina. It can cause blurred, dim, or yellowed vision, but it does not affect the optic nerve or the intraocular pressure.
- Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina and causes bleeding, leakage, or scarring. It can cause blurred, fluctuating, or darkened vision, but it does not affect the optic nerve or the intraocular pressure.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A: Have the client sit down in the hall.
Choice A rationale: The PN should first have the client sit down to help alleviate the client's chest tightness and shortness of breath. Sitting down allows for better lung expansion and reduces the risk of falling due to dizziness or lightheadedness. This is the most appropriate initial action in response to the client's complaint.
Choice B rationale: While assisting the client back to their room is important, the PN should first ensure that the client is sitting down to help manage their symptoms. After the client is seated and more stable, the PN can then assist them back to their room for further assessment and intervention.
Choice C rationale: Administering sublingual nitroglycerin may be appropriate if the client is experiencing cardiac-related chest pain. However, the PN should first have the client sit down and gather more information about their symptoms before administering any medications.
Choice D rationale: Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram can help assess the client's cardiac status, but it is not the first action that the PN should take in this situation. Ensuring the client's safety and managing their symptoms are immediate priorities. The PN can consider obtaining an electrocardiogram after addressing the client's immediate needs and assessing their condition further.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today