A nurse is caring for a client who has Graves' disease and is to start therapy with propylthiouracil. The nurse should expect which of the following outcomes?

Increased Hct

Decreased WBC count

Decreased heart rate

Increased blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Increased Hct. Propylthiouracil (PTU) is an antithyroid medication that reduces excessive thyroid hormone production in Graves' disease. It does not directly affect hematocrit (Hct) levels. While anemia can occur in some clients with untreated hyperthyroidism, PTU itself is not expected to raise Hct.

B. Decreased WBC count. A serious adverse effect of PTU is agranulocytosis, which results in a dangerously low white blood cell (WBC) count, increasing the risk of infection. However, this is a potential complication rather than an expected therapeutic outcome. Clients on PTU require regular monitoring of WBC levels to detect early signs of agranulocytosis.

C. Decreased heart rate. Graves’ disease causes hyperthyroidism, which increases metabolism and leads to symptoms such as tachycardia. PTU works by inhibiting thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to a gradual reduction in heart rate as thyroid function normalizes. This is a desired outcome of treatment, helping to reduce cardiovascular strain associated with hyperthyroidism.

D. Increased blood pressure. Hyperthyroidism can cause elevated blood pressure due to increased cardiac output. As PTU lowers thyroid hormone levels, blood pressure is expected to decrease or stabilize rather than increase. An increase in blood pressure would be unexpected and may indicate another underlying issue requiring evaluation.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Hemoglobin levels. Epoetin alfa stimulates erythropoiesis (red blood cell production) in clients with chronic renal failure, where natural erythropoietin production is impaired. The therapeutic effect of epoetin alfa is measured by monitoring hemoglobin (Hgb) levels to ensure adequate response without exceeding safe limits. Target Hgb levels should not exceed 11 g/dL, as higher levels increase the risk of thromboembolic events and hypertension.

B. Iron levels. While iron is necessary for red blood cell production, epoetin alfa does not directly affect iron levels. However, iron supplementation may be required if iron deficiency is present, as inadequate iron stores can limit the effectiveness of epoetin alfa therapy.

C. Platelet count. Epoetin alfa primarily affects red blood cell production and has no direct effect on platelet levels. Although polycythemia (excess red blood cells) can increase the risk of clot formation, platelet count is not the primary indicator of epoetin alfa’s therapeutic effects.

D. White blood cell count. Epoetin alfa does not impact white blood cell (WBC) production. Leukocyte production is regulated by different growth factors, and WBC monitoring is more relevant for conditions such as infections, chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, or bone marrow disorders.

A. Hypertension B. Fluid retention C. Bone pain D. Hypokalemia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypertension. Filgrastim, a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), primarily stimulates white blood cell production. While minor blood pressure fluctuations can occur, hypertension is not a common or significant adverse effect. Monitoring blood pressure is important, but sustained hypertension is not expected.

B. Fluid retention. Filgrastim does not typically cause significant fluid retention. Medications such as corticosteroids or certain chemotherapeutic agents are more likely to lead to fluid overload. While rare cases of capillary leak syndrome have been reported, general fluid retention is not a primary concern.

C. Bone pain. Bone pain is the most common adverse effect of filgrastim. The medication stimulates bone marrow activity, leading to increased production of neutrophils, which can cause discomfort in bones, particularly in long bones such as the femur and sternum. Pain is usually mild to moderate and can be managed with acetaminophen or NSAIDs if appropriate.

D. Hypokalemia. Filgrastim does not have a direct effect on potassium levels. Electrolyte imbalances are more commonly associated with diuretics, corticosteroids, or chemotherapy. Clients on filgrastim typically do not require routine potassium monitoring unless other risk factors are present.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is caring for a client who has Graves' disease and is to start therapy with propylthiouracil. The nurse should expect which of the following outcomes?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has chronic renal failure and is receiving epoetin alfa. To check for therapeutic effects, the nurse should monitor which of the following client laboratory tests?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving filgrastim. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following adverse effects?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

. A nurse is caring for a client who is taking alendronate to treat osteoporosis. The nurse should monitor for which of the following adverse effects?

A nurse is preparing to administer enoxaparin 5,000 units subcutaneous to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is preparing to administer erythromycin PO to a client who has an infection. The nurse checks the client's medical record and notes that the client has a severe allergy to penicillin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A nurse is preparing to insert a miconazole vaginal suppository for a client who has vulvovaginal candidiasis. Which of the following actions is appropriate for inserting this medication?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports nausea and has vomited clear emesis. Which of the following medications should the nurse administer?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving heparin therapy. If the client requires a reversal of the effects of heparin, which of the following medications should the nurse expect the provider to prescribe?

A nurse is collecting data from a client before administering a hepatitis B immunization. The nurse should withhold the immunization if the client is allergic to which of the following substances?