A nurse is caring an adolescent who has acne and a prescription for isotretinoin from the dermatologist. Which of the following laboratory findings should the nurse plan to monitor?
Serum Potassium
Cholesterol and triglycerides
BUN and Creatitine
Serum Sodium
The Correct Answer is B
A. Isotretinoin does not typically alter potassium levels. Routine monitoring of potassium is not indicated in healthy adolescents taking isotretinoin, as the medication does not have known effects on renal potassium handling or cause electrolyte imbalances in this context. Monitoring potassium is only relevant if the patient has other conditions or medications that affect electrolytes.
B. Isotretinoin can cause hyperlipidemia, increasing cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which may raise the risk for pancreatitis or long-term cardiovascular issues. Baseline lipid panels are obtained before starting therapy, with periodic monitoring during treatment to detect and manage elevations promptly.
C. Isotretinoin is not nephrotoxic, meaning it does not typically impair kidney function. Routine monitoring of BUN and creatinine is not necessary unless the adolescent has preexisting kidney disease or other risk factors. Focus should remain on labs directly affected by the medication.
D. Isotretinoin has no significant impact on serum sodium levels. Hyponatremia is not a known complication of isotretinoin therapy, so routine sodium monitoring is unnecessary in otherwise healthy clients. Laboratory monitoring should prioritize liver function tests and lipid profiles, which are more likely to be affected.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Bubble baths, hot water, and frequent bathing can dry out the skin and exacerbate eczema (atopic dermatitis). Short, lukewarm baths with mild, fragrance-free cleansers are recommended instead.
B. Cool, wet compresses soothe inflamed skin, reduce itching, and decrease redness. They help calm acute flare-ups and provide symptomatic relief without irritating the skin, which is a cornerstone of eczema management.
C. Wool is a common irritant and can trigger eczema flare-ups. Children with eczema should wear soft, breathable fabrics, such as cotton, to prevent additional skin irritation.
D. Fabric softeners and scented laundry detergents can irritate sensitive skin and worsen eczema. Clothing should be washed with mild, fragrance-free detergents and rinsed thoroughly.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This statement reflects proper site rotation within a specific anatomical area. Rotating injections within the same general area (e.g., abdomen, thigh, upper arm) after 4–6 injections helps prevent lipohypertrophy while maintaining consistent absorption rates. Proper rotation within a single area is safer than frequently changing anatomical sites.
B. Aspiration is not recommended for subcutaneous insulin injections because the risk of injecting into a blood vessel is extremely low and aspiration can increase pain or tissue trauma.
C. Subcutaneous insulin should generally be injected at a 90-degree angle for most children and adults. A 30-degree angle is only used in very thin individuals to avoid intramuscular injection. Using a 30-degree angle routinely may reduce absorption consistency.
D. Glargine (long-acting insulin) should never be mixed with other insulins in the same syringe because it alters its pharmacokinetics. Mixing can lead to unpredictable absorption and blood glucose fluctuations. Only certain short-acting and intermediate-acting insulins can be safely mixed if prescribed.
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