A nurse is caring for a client who has hypertension and has been taking hydrochlorothiazide. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse evaluate?
Serum electrolyte levels
Thyroid levels
Coagulation studies
Complete blood count
The Correct Answer is A
A. Hydrochlorothiazide can cause electrolyte imbalances, particularly hypokalemia (low potassium levels), hyponatremia (low sodium levels), and hypomagnesemia (low magnesium levels). Monitoring serum electrolyte levels, including potassium, sodium, and magnesium, is essential to detect and manage any abnormalities that may occur as a result of hydrochlorothiazide therapy.
B. Thyroid levels are not typically affected by hydrochlorothiazide therapy. Therefore, monitoring thyroid levels is not necessary in clients taking hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension.
C. Hydrochlorothiazide is not known to affect coagulation studies such as prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), or international normalized ratio (INR).
D. Hydrochlorothiazide is not typically associated with significant hematologic effects that would necessitate routine monitoring of the complete blood count. Therefore, monitoring CBC is not routinely indicated for clients taking hydrochlorothiazide for hypertension.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Renal function typically declines with age, leading to a decrease in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow. As a result, medications may be excreted more slowly from the body, leading to an increased risk of drug accumulation and potential toxicity. Adjustments in medication dosages or dosing intervals may be necessary to account for this age-related change.
B. Brain receptors do not change significantly. However, older adults may require lower doses to achieve the same therapeutic effect due to reduced receptor sensitivity.
C. Gastric emptying tends to slow down with age rather than increase. Delayed gastric emptying can affect the absorption of orally administered medications, leading to unpredictable drug levels and potentially reduced efficacy.
D. Hepatic function generally decreases with age, leading to a decline in the metabolic capacity of the liver. This can result in slower drug metabolism and clearance, prolonging the duration of action of medications and increasing the risk of adverse effects.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
D. Dizziness and lightheadedness may be indicative of hypotension, which can occur as a side effect of ramipril, particularly with the first dose or with dose adjustments. Administering an IV fluid bolus can help increase intravascular volume, improve blood pressure, and alleviate symptoms of hypotension.
A. Administering carbohydrates is not indicated for dizziness and lightheadedness associated with ramipril administration. Carbohydrates are typically used to treat hypoglycemia in clients with diabetes. Dizziness and lightheadedness in this scenario are unlikely to be caused by hypoglycemia.
B. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine commonly used to treat allergic reactions, itching, and insomnia. It is not indicated for dizziness and lightheadedness associated with ramipril administration. Administering diphenhydramine may not address the underlying cause of the symptoms.
C. Naloxone is a medication used to reverse opioid overdose by blocking the effects of opioids at receptor sites. It is not indicated for dizziness and lightheadedness associated with ramipril administration. Naloxone would not be appropriate in this situation.
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