After administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled.
Hold the calcium carbonate, but administer the calcitriol as scheduled.
Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider.
Hold the calcitriol, but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Administering both prescribed medications as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. The client's total calcium level is above the normal range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), indicating hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a serious condition that can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and cardiac arrhythmias. Giving more calcitriol and calcium carbonate would worsen the client's condition and increase the risk of complications.
Choice B reason: Holding the calcium carbonate, but administering the calcitriol as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides extra calcium to the body. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium from the intestines and kidneys. Both medications can increase the blood calcium level and cause hypercalcemia. The nurse should not give either medication without consulting the healthcare provider.
Choice C reason: Holding both medications until contacting the healthcare provider is the best action in this situation. The nurse should recognize that the client's total calcium level is dangerously high and report it to the healthcare provider as soon as possible. The healthcare provider may order to stop or adjust the doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate, and prescribe other treatments to lower the blood calcium level, such as intravenous fluids, diuretics, or bisphosphonates.
Choice D reason: Holding the calcitriol, but administering the calcium carbonate as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides extra calcium to the body. Giving more calcium carbonate to a client with hypercalcemia would increase the blood calcium level even more and cause more harm. The nurse should not give any medication that can raise the blood calcium level without consulting the healthcare provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is used to treat anxiety, insomnia, and seizures. It is metabolized by the liver and does not have a significant effect on the kidneys. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of sedation, respiratory depression, and dependence.
Choice B reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and arrhythmias. It is eliminated by the kidneys and can cause toxicity if the renal function is impaired. The nurse should monitor the client's serum digoxin level, heart rate, and rhythm, and signs of toxicity, such as nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and confusion.
Choice C reason: Sucralfate is a mucosal protectant that is used to treat peptic ulcer disease. It forms a protective barrier over the ulcer and does not get absorbed into the bloodstream. It does not affect the kidneys and has few side effects. The nurse should monitor the client's symptoms and advise them to take the medication on an empty stomach.
Choice D reason: Vancomycin is an antibiotic that is used to treat serious infections caused by gram-positive bacteria. It is nephrotoxic and can cause AKI, especially in high doses or prolonged use. The nurse should monitor the client's serum vancomycin level, renal function tests, urine output, and signs of AKI, such as oliguria, edema, and electrolyte imbalances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A yellow skin color may indicate jaundice, which is a sign of liver damage. Acetaminophen can cause liver toxicity, especially in high doses or with chronic use. The nurse should report this finding to the healthcare provider as soon as possible, as it may require further evaluation and treatment.
Choice B reason: Checking the client's capillary glucose level is not relevant to the finding of yellow skin color. Although diabetes can cause skin changes, such as dryness or infections, it does not cause jaundice. The nurse should focus on the potential liver problem rather than the blood sugar level.
Choice C reason: Using a pulse oximeter to assess oxygen saturation is not helpful in this situation. A low oxygen saturation may indicate hypoxia, which can affect various organs, but it does not cause jaundice. The nurse should monitor the client's respiratory status, but it is not the priority action in response to the yellow skin color.
Choice D reason: Advising the client to reduce the medication dose is not appropriate without consulting the healthcare provider. The client may need acetaminophen for pain relief, and reducing the dose may not be enough to prevent liver damage. The nurse should not make any changes to the medication regimen without the provider's order.
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