A nurse is monitoring a client's response to receiving glipizide instead of guaifenesin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Lower the head of the client's bed.
Check the client for urinary retention
Offer the client a carbohydrate snack.
Test the client's deep-tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Lower the head of the client's bed. There is no need to lower the client’s head of the bed in response to receiving glipizide instead of guaifenesin. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to lower blood glucose, while guaifenesin is an expectorant for respiratory conditions. Lowering the head of the bed does not address the potential effects of receiving the wrong medication.
B. Check the client for urinary retention. Glipizide does not cause urinary retention. Instead, it stimulates insulin release to lower blood sugar. If hypoglycemia occurs due to an unintentional dose of glipizide, symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, confusion, or tremors are more concerning than bladder dysfunction.
C. Offer the client a carbohydrate snack. Since glipizide lowers blood glucose levels, administering it instead of guaifenesin could result in hypoglycemia, particularly in a client who does not have diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, confusion, diaphoresis, and dizziness, and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., juice, crackers, or glucose tablets) if symptoms develop.
D. Test the client’s deep-tendon reflexes. Glipizide does not affect neuromuscular function or deep-tendon reflexes. While severe hypoglycemia can cause altered mental status or seizures, routine reflex testing is not necessary for monitoring the effects of an incorrect glipizide administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Glucosamine. Glucosamine is a supplement used to support joint health, particularly in osteoarthritis. It does not have significant interactions with digoxin and is not known to affect cardiac function or digoxin metabolism, making it safe to use concurrently.
B. Garlic. Garlic has blood-thinning properties and may mildly lower blood pressure, but it does not directly interfere with digoxin metabolism. However, clients on anticoagulants or blood pressure medications should use garlic cautiously due to its potential to enhance their effects.
C. St. John's wort. St. John’s wort induces liver enzymes that can increase the metabolism of many medications, including digoxin. This can lead to decreased digoxin levels, reducing its effectiveness and increasing the risk of uncontrolled heart failure or atrial fibrillation. Clients taking digoxin should avoid St. John’s wort to maintain therapeutic drug levels.
D. Ginkgo biloba. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used to enhance cognitive function and circulation. While it has mild blood-thinning effects, it does not significantly impact digoxin metabolism. However, caution is advised in clients taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications to avoid an increased risk of bleeding.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine is used to treat hypothyroidism and does not have a significant interaction with furosemide. However, both medications require careful monitoring, as hypothyroidism can affect fluid balance, but they are not contraindicated together.
B. Cetirizine. Cetirizine is an antihistamine used to treat allergies and does not interfere with furosemide’s effects. While some antihistamines can cause mild fluid retention, this does not significantly impact furosemide therapy, making them safe to use together.
C. Lithium carbonate. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that increases sodium excretion. Since lithium is excreted through the kidneys in a sodium-dependent manner, a loss of sodium due to diuretic use can lead to reduced lithium excretion and toxic accumulation. Clients taking lithium should avoid diuretics unless absolutely necessary, and their lithium levels must be carefully monitored if diuretics are required.
D. Albuterol. Albuterol is a bronchodilator used for conditions like asthma and COPD. While both furosemide and albuterol can cause hypokalemia, this does not make them absolutely contraindicated. Instead, potassium levels should be regularly monitored, and supplementation may be needed if hypokalemia develops.
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