A nurse is assessing a patient who started taking valproic acid to treat seizures and presents for the follow up with a yellowing of the eyes and skin. Which of the following laboratory tests should the nurse prioritize to evaluate these symptoms and guide further care?
Complete blood count with platelet count
Liver function tests
Serum sodium level
Blood glucose level
The Correct Answer is B
A. Complete blood count with platelet count: Valproic acid can rarely cause thrombocytopenia, but yellowing of the eyes and skin (jaundice) indicates a potential liver issue rather than a blood cell abnormality. CBC is not the first priority here.
B. Liver function tests: Jaundice suggests hepatotoxicity, a known serious adverse effect of valproic acid. Liver function tests (AST, ALT, bilirubin) are essential to assess liver injury and guide whether the medication should be discontinued or adjusted.
C. Serum sodium level: Serum sodium is not related to the symptoms of jaundice. While valproic acid does not typically affect sodium levels, hyponatremia would not explain yellowing of the skin or eyes.
D. Blood glucose level: Blood glucose monitoring is unrelated to valproic acid-induced jaundice. Hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia would not present with yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Passive natural:Immunity is transferred naturally from mother to child through breast milk, primarily via antibodies like IgA. The newborn receives protection without producing its own antibodies, which defines passive natural immunity.
B. Active natural:Active natural immunity occurs when an individual is exposed to a pathogen and their own immune system produces antibodies in response. This is not the case with maternal antibody transfer.
C. Passive artificial:Passive artificial immunity involves receiving preformed antibodies through medical intervention, such as an injection of immunoglobulin. This differs from the natural maternal transfer via breastfeeding.
D. Active artificial:Active artificial immunity is acquired through vaccines, where the immune system actively produces antibodies in response to a controlled exposure to an antigen. This does not describe maternal antibody transfer.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Only educate about the medication's cost:Focusing solely on cost does not ensure the client understands how to safely take the medication or recognize adverse effects. Cost is important but is only one aspect of medication education.
B. Rely on the pharmacy's printed instructions:Printed instructions are helpful supplements, but the nurse is responsible for ensuring the client understands proper administration, purpose, and safety precautions. Relying exclusively on written materials may lead to misunderstanding.
C. Encourage the client to research the medication independently:Independent research may provide incomplete or inaccurate information. The nurse must provide accurate, evidence-based guidance rather than leaving the client to interpret information alone.
D. Provide comprehensive education on the medication's use and side effects:The nurse’s primary responsibility is to teach the client how and when to take the medication, its therapeutic purpose, potential side effects, and necessary precautions. Comprehensive education promotes safe, effective, and informed medication use.
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