A patient is taking a drug that has known toxic side effects. What will the nurse do?
Discontinue the drug at the first signs of toxicity.
Teach the patient how to treat the symptoms if they develop.
Ensure that complete blood counts are ordered periodically.
Monitor the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Discontinuing the drug at the first signs of toxicity might seem like a straightforward solution, but it is not always the best approach. Some drugs are essential for treating serious conditions, and stopping them abruptly can cause more harm than good. Instead, the nurse should monitor the patient closely and consult with the healthcare provider to adjust the dosage or switch to a safer alternative if necessary.
Choice B Reason:
Teaching the patient how to treat symptoms if they develop is important, but it is not sufficient on its own. While patient education is a crucial aspect of managing drug side effects, it should be part of a broader strategy that includes regular monitoring and medical supervision.
Choice C Reason:
Ensuring that complete blood counts are ordered periodically is a good practice, especially for drugs that can affect blood cells. However, this approach is too narrow. Toxic side effects can impact various organs and systems, so a comprehensive monitoring plan is necessary.
Choice D Reason:
This is the correct answer. Monitoring the function of all organs potentially affected by the drug is the most comprehensive and effective approach. This includes regular blood tests, liver function tests, kidney function tests, and other relevant assessments. By closely monitoring the patient’s organ functions, the healthcare team can detect early signs of toxicity and take appropriate action to prevent serious complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Disease treatment refers to the management and care of a patient to combat a disease or condition. This includes interventions aimed at curing the disease, alleviating symptoms, or preventing complications. While physical therapy can be part of disease treatment, in the context of a heart attack, it is more accurately described as a form of tertiary prevention.
Choice B Reason:
Tertiary prevention involves measures taken to reduce the impact of an ongoing illness or injury that has lasting effects. This includes rehabilitation and efforts to prevent further complications or deterioration. Physical therapy after a heart attack is a classic example of tertiary prevention, as it aims to improve the patient’s quality of life, enhance physical function, and prevent further cardiac events.
Choice C Reason:
Secondary prevention focuses on early detection and prompt intervention to prevent the progression of a disease. This includes screening tests and early treatment of conditions to halt or slow their progression. In the case of heart disease, secondary prevention might involve regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol levels to detect and manage risk factors early.
Choice D Reason:
Primary prevention aims to prevent the onset of disease before it occurs by reducing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors. This includes lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation to prevent the development of heart disease in the first place. Physical therapy after a heart attack does not fall under primary prevention, as it is an intervention after the disease has already occurred.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A: Minimal Effect on Vessels
A reduction in blood pH, which indicates acidosis, does not have a minimal effect on blood vessels. Acidosis can significantly impact vascular tone and function. Therefore, this choice is incorrect as it underestimates the physiological changes that occur in response to a decrease in pH.
Choice B: No Effect on Vessels
Similarly, stating that a reduction in blood pH has no effect on vessels is inaccurate. Blood pH is tightly regulated, and deviations from the normal range (7.35-7.45) can lead to significant physiological responses. Acidosis can alter vascular tone, making this choice incorrect.
Choice C: Vasodilation
While vasodilation can occur in response to certain conditions, a reduction in blood pH typically leads to vasoconstriction rather than vasodilation. Vasodilation is more commonly associated with an increase in blood pH (alkalosis) or other factors such as increased levels of nitric oxide or prostaglandins.
Choice D: Vasoconstriction
When the pH of blood reduces, indicating acidosis, it often leads to vasoconstriction. This response is mediated by chemoreceptors that detect changes in pH and stimulate the vasomotor center to increase vascular tone. Vasoconstriction helps to maintain blood pressure and ensure adequate perfusion of vital organs during acidosis. Therefore, this is the correct answer.
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