A nurse is caring for a client who is taking allopurinol. Which of the following laboratory findings indicates the medication has been effective?
Decreased triglycerides
Decreased uric acid
Increased albumin
Increased potassium
The Correct Answer is B
B. Allopurinol is primarily prescribed to lower uric acid levels in the blood. It achieves this by inhibiting the enzyme xanthine oxidase, which is involved in the production of uric acid. Lowering uric acid levels helps prevent the formation of uric acid crystals, which can lead to gout attacks or kidney stones.
A. Triglycerides are a type of fat found in the blood. Allopurinol is not directly involved in lowering triglyceride levels. Medications that are typically used to lower triglycerides include statins, fibrates, niacin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
C. Albumin is a protein found in the blood, and its levels can be affected by various factors such as liver or kidney function. Allopurinol is not known to directly influence albumin levels. Therefore, an increase in albumin would not be a laboratory finding indicative of the effectiveness of allopurinol.
D. Potassium levels in the blood can be influenced by medications, diet, kidney function, and other factors. Allopurinol is not typically associated with increasing potassium levels. In fact, certain medications used to treat gout, such as thiazide diuretics, can lead to increased potassium levels.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
B. Phenytoin is associated with gingival hyperplasia, which is an overgrowth of gum tissue. It's essential for clients taking phenytoin to maintain good oral hygiene and receive regular dental check-ups to monitor for this side effect.
A. Phenytoin is not known to directly diminish potassium levels. However, it can cause a variety of electrolyte imbalances, including hyponatremia (low sodium levels) and hypocalcemia (low calcium levels), but not typically hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
C. Ginkgo biloba is an herbal supplement that does not interact with phenytoin.
D. Phenytoin can cause photosensitivity reactions in some individuals, leading to an increased risk of sunburn. However, teaching on gingival hyperplasia is more important.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
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.
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