A client with pneumonia who has an emergent episode of respiratory distress is intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit. The client's chest x-ray shows consolidation in the left lobe, and physical assessment reveals diminished lung sounds. The nurse administers acetylcysteine as prescribed per nebulization via endotracheal tube. Which therapeutic response of this medication should the nurse expect?

Bronchodilation and wheezing.

Unpleasant smell when using the medication.

Increased sputum, requiring suctioning.

Hypotension.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C reason: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks down mucus and makes it easier to cough up or suction out. This helps to clear the airways and improve oxygenation. The nurse should expect to see increased sputum production after administering acetylcysteine and provide frequent suctioning as needed.

Choice A reason: Bronchodilation and wheezing are not therapeutic responses of acetylcysteine, but rather possible adverse effects. Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction in some clients, especially those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client's breath sounds and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Unpleasant smell when using the medication is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a common side effect. Acetylcysteine has a rotten egg odor that can be unpleasant for both the client and the nurse. The nurse can minimize this by using a mouthwash or a flavored lozenge before and after administering acetylcysteine.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a rare but serious adverse effect. Acetylcysteine can cause vasodilation or hypovolemia in some clients, leading to low blood pressure and shock. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and report any signs of hypotension.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Checking the client's capillary glucose level is not relevant to this finding, as acetaminophen does not affect blood glucose levels. The yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver damage caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity.

Choice B reason: Advising the client to reduce the medication dose is not sufficient to address this finding, as acetaminophen can cause irreversible liver damage if taken in excess or for prolonged periods. The client may need immediate medical attention and treatment with an antidote such as N-acetylcysteine.

Choice C reason: Reporting the finding to the healthcare provider is the appropriate action to take, as the yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver failure caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity. The healthcare provider can order further tests and interventions to assess and treat the client's condition.

Choice D reason: Using a pulse oximeter to assess oxygen saturation is not related to this finding, as acetaminophen does not affect oxygen levels. The yellow color of the skin may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver dysfunction caused by acetaminophen overdose or toxicity.

A. Notify the healthcare provider of the carbamazepine level. B. Administer the carbamazepine as prescribed. C. Assess the client for side effects of carbamazepine. D. Withhold this dose of carbamazepine.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Notifying the healthcare provider of the carbamazepine level is not necessary, as 8.4 mg/L (35.6 mcmol/L) is within

the normal range of 4 to 12 mg/L (16.9 to 50.8 mcmol/L). The healthcare provider may adjust

the dose based on other factors such as clinical response, seizure frequency, or adverse effects,

but not based on this level alone.

Choice B reason: Administering the carbamazepine as prescribed is the appropriate action to take, as 8.4 mg/L (35.6 mcmol/L) is within

the normal range of 4 to 12 mg/L (16.9 to 50.8 mcmol/L). The nurse should follow the prescribed

dose and schedule of carbamazepine to maintain a therapeutic level and prevent seizures.

Choice C reason: Assessing the client for side effects of carbamazepine is important, as carbamazepine can cause adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, rash, or blood dyscrasias. However, this action is not related to the carbamazepine level, as side effects can occur at any level and may not correlate with the serum concentration. The nurse should monitor the client for side effects regardless of the carbamazepine level.

Choice D reason: Withholding this dose of carbamazepine is not appropriate, as 8.4 mg/L (35.6 mcmol/L) is withinthe normal range of 4 to 12 mg/L (16.9 to 50.8 mcmol/L). Withholding the dose may cause a drop in the serum concentration and increase the risk of seizures. The nurse should administer the carbamazepine as prescribed unless instructed otherwise by the healthcare provider.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse notes that the client's morning carbamazepine level was 8.4 mg/L (35.6 mcmol/L). Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client taking atorvastatin develops an increased serum creatine phosphokinase (CK) level. The nurse should assess the client for the onset of which problem?

After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 109/L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 109/L). Which action should the nurse implement? White Blood Cell (WBC) [Reference Range: 5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for a client who is taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, which were prescribed because of a suspected anthrax exposure. Which instruction(s) should be included in the teaching plan? (Select all that apply.)

The nurse administers naloxone to a client with opioid-induced respiratory depression. One hour later, nursing assessment reveals that the client has a respiratory rate of 4 breaths/minute, oxygen saturation of 75%, and is unable to be aroused. Which action should the nurse implement?

An older adult with iron deficiency anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate enteric-coated tablets. To promote best absorption of the medication, which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?

A female client who is a vegetarian has a new prescription for warfarin. The client states she eats leafy green vegetables every day. How should the nurse respond?