A male client is admitted for observation because he is reporting progressively increasing fatigue over the past month and a brief episode of dizziness that occurred today. He has a history of heartburn and indigestion that he self-treats with ibuprofen and antacids. Which assessment finding should the nurse report immediately to the healthcare provider?

Reference Ranges:
Hemoglobin (14 to 18 g/dL (8.7 to 11.2 mmol/L)]
Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]
Gastric pH [1.5 to 3.5]

Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction).

Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (8.07 mmol/L).

Positive guaiac of stool.

Gastric pH 2.0.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Hematocrit 42% (0.42 volume fraction):
A hematocrit of 42% is within the normal reference range for males (42% to 52%). While it is important to monitor hematocrit levels, this finding alone does not indicate an immediate issue.

B. Hemoglobin 13 g/dL (8.07 mmol/L):
A hemoglobin level of 13 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for males (14 to 18 g/dL). However, it is not critically low and may not require immediate intervention without additional context or symptoms.

C. Positive guaiac of stool:
A positive guaiac test for stool indicates the presence of occult blood in the stool, which could suggest gastrointestinal bleeding. Given the client's history of heartburn, indigestion, and use of ibuprofen (a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug that can cause gastrointestinal bleeding), this finding is concerning and should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

D. Gastric pH 2.0:
A gastric pH of 2.0 is within the normal range for gastric acid, as the normal pH of gastric acid typically ranges from 1.5 to 3.5. This finding is expected and does not indicate an immediate problem related to the client's symptoms.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Migraine headaches: While migraine headaches are significant for overall health management, they are less directly related to the risks associated with NSAID use compared to other conditions. Migraines do not typically influence the safety profile of NSAIDs.

B) Chronic alcoholism: Chronic alcoholism is a major concern because it significantly increases the risk of gastrointestinal complications with NSAID use. NSAIDs can cause gastric irritation, bleeding, and ulcers, and alcohol can exacerbate these risks, leading to severe gastrointestinal issues or liver damage.

C) Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a common indication for NSAID use and, therefore, does not pose an additional risk specific to the medication. NSAIDs are often prescribed to manage pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.

D) Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Although diabetes mellitus requires careful management, it does not directly increase the risk of NSAID-related complications. However, clients with diabetes need to be monitored for overall health and medication effects, but chronic alcoholism poses a more immediate risk for NSAID use.

A. Adding the herb can decrease the need for corticosteroids. B. Ingestion of St. John's Wort can reduce the client's intake of sodium. C. St. John's Wort can decrease plasma concentrations of cyclosporine. D. The client probably used this herb to treat depression.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A) Adding the herb can decrease the need for corticosteroids: There is no substantial evidence that St. John’s Wort affects the need for corticosteroids. Its primary interactions are with medications metabolized by the liver, particularly cyclosporine, rather than affecting corticosteroid requirements directly.

B) Ingestion of St. John's Wort can reduce the client's intake of sodium: St. John’s Wort does not impact sodium intake. Its known interactions are with drugs, particularly those metabolized by the liver, rather than affecting dietary intake or sodium levels.

C) St. John's Wort can decrease plasma concentrations of cyclosporine: St. John’s Wort is a potent inducer of cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can lead to decreased plasma levels of cyclosporine, an immunosuppressant crucial for preventing graft rejection. This interaction can result in subtherapeutic levels of cyclosporine and increase the risk of graft rejection.

D) The client probably used this herb to treat depression: While it is true that St. John’s Wort is commonly used for its antidepressant effects, this is not the most significant concern in the context of a renal transplant. The primary issue is its interaction with cyclosporine, which can significantly impact transplant outcomes.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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