A nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerin topical ointment to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the dosage of medication using the applicator paper.
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin.
Cover the medication on the client's skin with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply the medication to the same site for three consecutive days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Using the applicator paper is appropriate for measuring the dosage accurately, but simply measuring the dosage is not the only step; the medication needs to be spread over the specified area of the skin.
Choice B Reason:
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin. Nitroglycerin ointment is typically measured using a specific paper or measuring tape provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The ointment is spread thinly and evenly over a specific measured area of the skin, usually about 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length, to maintain consistent dosing.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the medication with a sterile gauze pad is not typically done with nitroglycerin ointment. The ointment is meant to be absorbed through the skin, and covering it may interfere with its absorption.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin ointment is often applied to different sites to prevent skin irritation and tolerance from developing at one site. It's usually rotated to different clean areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation and tolerance buildup. Applying it to the same site for three consecutive days is not standard practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Bilateral muscle weakness is not typically associated specifically with fluid volume excess. Muscle weakness can result from various causes, such as electrolyte imbalances or certain medical conditions, but it's not a primary manifestation of fluid volume excess.
Choice B Reason:
Thready pulse is not correct. A thready pulse refers to a weak and barely palpable pulse. This is more commonly associated with conditions like shock or reduced cardiac output rather than fluid volume excess.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased bowel sounds is not correct. Reduced or absent bowel sounds may indicate gastrointestinal issues, but they are not a direct manifestation of fluid volume excess. Increased bowel sounds might be more associated with certain types of gastrointestinal disturbances or fluid imbalances, but decreased sounds are not a typical sign of fluid volume excess.
Choice D Reason:
Distended neck veins is correct. In a client experiencing fluid volume excess, distended neck veins can often be observed due to increased venous pressure. This occurs as a result of the body retaining more fluid than it can handle, leading to an increase in blood volume and pressure within the vascular system. This can cause the jugular veins in the neck to appear distended or prominent.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sodium 141 mEq/L is incorrect. This value is within the normal range (usually around 135-145 mEq/L).
Choice B Reason:
Potassium 2.5 mEq/ is correct. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium loss through increased urine output. If a client already has a low potassium level (hypokalemia), administering furosemide can further decrease potassium levels, potentially causing or worsening hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count 8,000/mm3 is incorrect. This value falls within the normal range for white blood cell count.
Choice D Reason:
INR 1.0: An INR of 1.0 is within the normal range for a person not on anticoagulation therapy.
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