A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is in pre-term labor and has received indomethacin.
Which of the following findings should the nurse monitor for as a potential complication of the medication?
Decreased platelet count
Increased serum creatinine
Decreased hematocrit
Increased serum potassium
The Correct Answer is B
Indomethacin is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can cause renal impairment and elevated serum creatinine levels in both the mother and the fetus. This can lead to oligohydramnios, reduced fetal urine output, and fetal renal failure.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the serum creatinine levels of the client and the fetus as a potential complication of indomethacin.
Choice A is wrong because indomethacin does not affect the platelet count. It may increase the risk of bleeding due to its antiplatelet effect, but it does not cause thrombocytopenia.
Choice C is wrong because indomethacin does not cause anemia or decrease the hematocrit. It may cause gastrointestinal bleeding or ulceration, which could lead to anemia, but this is not a common or direct effect of the medication.
Choice D is wrong because indomethacin does not cause hyperkalemia or increase the serum potassium levels. It may cause hyponatremia due to its effect on renal sodium excretion, but it does not affect potassium balance.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Report any increase in vaginal discharge to the provider.This is because an increase in vaginal discharge can indicate an infection, which can trigger preterm labor or cause complications for the mother and the baby.
Choice A is wrong because sexual intercourse is not contraindicated for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, unless they have other risk factors such as placenta previa or ruptured membranes.
Choice B is wrong because drinking at least 3 L of fluids per day is not necessary for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, unless they have dehydration or oligohydramnios.
Choice D is wrong because pelvic floor exercises are not recommended for women who have preterm labor that was successfully stopped with tocolytic therapy, as they can increase uterine activity and cause contractions.
Tocolytic therapy is the use of drugs to delay delivery for a short time (up to 48 hours) if a woman begins labor too early in her pregnancy.
The purpose of tocolytic therapy is to allow time for the administration of corticosteroids or other medicine.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
True labor contractions cause cervical dilation and effacement.
This means that the cervix opens up and thins out to prepare for the baby’s passage through the birth canal.
Cervical changes can be measured by a pelvic exam.
Choice A is wrong because true labor contractions are regular and do not subside with rest.False labor contractions are irregular and may stop when you change position or activity level.
Choice B is wrong because false labor contractions are usually felt in the front of the abdomen, not in the lower back.True labor contractions may start in the back and radiate to the abdomen.
Choice D is wrong because false labor contractions do not increase in intensity with ambulation.True labor contractions may become stronger and closer together when you walk.
Normal ranges for cervical dilation and effacement vary depending on the stage of labor, but generally, full dilation is 10 cm and full effacement is 100%.
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