A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report for a client who has been taking sodium polystyrene sulfonate.
Which of the following findings indicates a therapeutic response to the medication?
Magnesium 1.5 mEq/L (1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L).
Calcium 9.2 mg/dL (9 to 10.5 mg/dL).
Sodium 140 mEq/L (136 to 145 mEq/L).
Potassium 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L).
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Magnesium levels within the normal range (1.3 to 2.1 mEq/L) are important for overall electrolyte balance, but sodium polystyrene sulfonate specifically targets potassium. While hyperkalemia can sometimes be associated with other electrolyte imbalances, a normal magnesium level does not directly indicate a therapeutic response to sodium polystyrene sulfonate, as its primary action is not on magnesium.
Choice B rationale
Calcium levels within the normal range (9 to 10.5 mg/dL) are essential for various physiological functions. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate primarily exchanges sodium ions for potassium ions, not calcium. Therefore, a normal calcium level does not reflect a therapeutic response to the medication, which is specifically aimed at reducing elevated potassium levels.
Choice C rationale
Sodium levels within the normal range (136 to 145 mEq/L) are crucial for fluid balance and neurological function. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate exchanges sodium for potassium, meaning it increases the body's sodium load. While a normal sodium level is desirable, it does not directly indicate the therapeutic efficacy of the medication in reducing potassium.
Choice D rationale
Potassium 4.8 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mEq/L) indicates a therapeutic response. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an ion-exchange resin used to treat hyperkalemia by exchanging potassium ions for sodium ions in the gastrointestinal tract. A potassium level returning to within the normal range, from a previously elevated state, signifies that the medication has effectively lowered the excess potassium.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Beclomethasone is an inhaled corticosteroid. Gargling with water after use is essential to reduce the local deposition of the medication in the oropharynx. This minimizes the risk of developing oral candidiasis, commonly known as thrush, and hoarseness, which are common local side effects associated with inhaled corticosteroid use.
Choice B rationale
Beclomethasone, like most inhaled suspensions, requires shaking prior to use. Shaking ensures that the medication is evenly dispersed within the propellant or solution. This uniform dispersion is critical for delivering an accurate and consistent dose with each actuation, maximizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing variability.
Choice C rationale
Beclomethasone is a long-acting inhaled corticosteroid used for the *maintenance* and *preventive* treatment of asthma. It works by reducing airway inflammation over time, not by providing immediate bronchodilation. Therefore, it is ineffective for and should not be used during an acute asthma attack, which requires a rapid-acting bronchodilator.
Choice D rationale
For optimal benefit, the short-acting bronchodilator, albuterol, should be used *before* beclomethasone. Albuterol opens the airways, allowing for better penetration of the inhaled corticosteroid into the lower respiratory tract. This sequential administration enhances the delivery and absorption of beclomethasone, improving its anti-inflammatory effects.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
An INR (International Normalized Ratio) of 4.0 indicates that the client's blood is much thinner than the therapeutic range for most conditions (usually 2.0-3.0 for warfarin). This significantly increases the risk of bleeding. Vitamin K is the antidote for warfarin because it is essential for the synthesis of clotting factors (II, VII, IX, X) in the liver. Administering vitamin K reverses the anticoagulant effect of warfarin, reducing the risk of hemorrhage by promoting the production of functional clotting proteins.
Choice B rationale
Protamine sulfate is the antidote for heparin. It works by forming a stable ion pair with heparin, neutralizing its anticoagulant effects. It has no effect on the anticoagulant properties of warfarin, which acts by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase, an enzyme crucial for the regeneration of active vitamin K necessary for clotting factor synthesis. Therefore, protamine is not indicated for warfarin overdose.
Choice C rationale
Calcium gluconate is used to treat hypocalcemia and magnesium toxicity. Calcium plays a vital role in numerous physiological processes, including bone health and muscle function, and is essential for blood coagulation. However, it does not directly counteract the effects of warfarin, which targets vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, and is not the appropriate antidote for an elevated INR.
Choice D rationale
Epinephrine is a potent vasoconstrictor and bronchodilator used in anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and severe asthma. It acts on alpha and beta-adrenergic receptors, leading to increased heart rate, blood pressure, and bronchodilation. It has no role in reversing the anticoagulant effects of warfarin and is not indicated for managing an elevated INR.
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