A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The patient is prescribed hydroxychloroquine to slow the progression of the disease. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse monitor for this patient?
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased blood cell count
Decreased platelet count
Increased red blood cell count
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a rare but serious side effect called bone marrow suppression. This is a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
White blood cells (WBCs) are a key component of the immune system, and a decrease in WBCs can make a patient more susceptible to infections.
Therefore, it's crucial for nurses to monitor the patient's WBC count to detect any potential bone marrow suppression early and take necessary actions to prevent or manage infections.
Choice B rationale:
An increased blood cell count is not a typical side effect of hydroxychloroquine.
Some conditions, like polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in blood cell count, but they are not related to hydroxychloroquine use.
Choice C rationale:
While hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause a decrease in platelet count, it's less common than bone marrow suppression affecting WBCs.
However, it's still essential for nurses to monitor platelet counts as well, as a significantly low platelet count can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine does not typically affect red blood cell (RBC) counts.
Conditions that affect RBC counts, such as anemia, are not directly related to hydroxychloroquine use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Magnet activation: Placing a magnet over the implantable device activates an on-demand feature of the VNS, delivering extra stimulation to the vagus nerve. This can potentially disrupt or shorten a seizure, especially when used at the onset of an aura (a warning sign that a seizure may be imminent).
Patient empowerment: Teaching the patient how to use the magnet provides them with a sense of control and a way to actively manage their seizures. It can reduce anxiety and improve quality of life.
Choice B rationale:
Microwave safety: While there's no definitive evidence that microwaves directly interfere with VNS devices, manufacturers generally recommend avoiding close or prolonged exposure to microwaves as a precaution. Specific guidelines may vary, but they often suggest keeping a distance of at least 15-20 inches from microwaves. The statement in Choice B about 12,000 watts or less is inaccurate and misleading.
Choice C rationale:
CT scans with contrast: There's no contraindication for patients with VNS to undergo CT scans with contrast. The device is designed to withstand common imaging procedures.
Choice D rationale:
Pain management: Burst catheters are typically used for pain management after surgery or during childbirth. They have no direct relevance to VNS therapy or seizure management.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
History of rheumatologic conditions: Research has demonstrated a link between fibromyalgia and other rheumatologic conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and osteoarthritis. Individuals with these conditions may have a predisposition to developing fibromyalgia due to shared genetic factors, immune system dysregulation, and chronic inflammation.
Choice B rationale:
Nutritional deficiency: While nutritional deficiencies, particularly in vitamin D, magnesium, and iron, have been associated with fibromyalgia symptoms, there's not enough evidence to establish them as direct risk factors for its development.
Nutritional deficiencies can worsen pain and fatigue, but they aren't considered primary causes of fibromyalgia.
Choice C rationale:
Previous injury to the bone: Past bone injuries typically aren't considered a risk factor for fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic pain syndrome that affects muscles and soft tissues, not bones themselves. While pain from an injury might trigger fibromyalgia symptoms, it's not a direct cause.
Choice D rationale:
Deep sleep deprivation: Sleep disturbances, especially disruptions in deep sleep (also known as slow-wave sleep), are strongly linked to fibromyalgia. Deep sleep is crucial for restorative processes in the body, including pain regulation. Insufficient deep sleep can lead to heightened pain sensitivity and contribute to the development of fibromyalgia.
Choice E rationale:
Physical and emotional trauma: Physical and emotional trauma, such as experiencing accidents, abuse, or significant psychological stress, can significantly increase the risk of developing fibromyalgia. Trauma can trigger changes in the brain's pain processing pathways and stress hormone regulation, contributing to chronic pain and other fibromyalgia symptoms.
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