An older adult client with pernicious anemia has been receiving daily injections of cyanocobalamin for two weeks and reports that the injections are painful. The nurse notes that the client's hematocrit is 43% (0.43 volume fraction). Which action should the nurse implement?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit (Hct) [37% to 47% (0.37 to 0.47 volume fraction)]

Instruct the client that since the hematocrit remains low, the daily injections are still necessary.

Notify the healthcare provider of the patient's hematocrit level so the frequency of injections can be reduced.

Advise the client that the medication is having the desired effect, but daily injections will continue to be needed for life for this chronic condition.

Offer to instruct the client in self-administration techniques to improve the client's sense of control over the painful daily injections.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Instruct the client that since the hematocrit remains low, the daily injections are still necessary: A hematocrit of 43% is within the normal range, suggesting the client’s anemia is improving. If the hematocrit were still low, continuing daily injections would be appropriate, but this is not the case here.

B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client’s hematocrit level so the frequency of injections can be reduced: Since the hematocrit is normal, there is no need to notify the healthcare provider specifically for changing the injection frequency based solely on the hematocrit level. Reducing injection frequency should be based on the overall treatment plan and not just the current hematocrit.
C. Advise the client that the medication is having the desired effect, but daily injections will continue to be needed for life for this chronic condition: While the medication may be effective, informing the client about the potential for less frequent injections could improve adherence and reduce discomfort, if the healthcare provider approves.
D. Offer to instruct the client in self-administration techniques to improve the client's sense of control over the painful daily injections: Teaching self-administration can empower the client and potentially reduce discomfort by allowing the client to become more comfortable with the process. It also offers the opportunity for the client to manage their injections more conveniently and with greater control.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Expresses that they cannot get enough air to breathe: While this is concerning, it is less specific than a respiratory rate finding for opioid overdose.
B. Respiratory rate of 7 breaths/minute: This indicates severe respiratory depression, a critical sign of opioid overdose, which necessitates immediate administration of naloxone.
C. Intercostal retractions and bilateral wheezing on auscultation: These signs suggest respiratory distress but do not directly indicate an opioid overdose.
D. Pulse oximeter reading of 89% on room air: While low, this reading does not specifically indicate opioid overdose unless accompanied by respiratory depression.

A. Protect the skin from sunlight while taking the drug. B. Take with orange juice to enhance gastrointestinal (GI) absorption. C. Return to the clinic weekly to obtain serum drug levels. D. Take with milk or antacids to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) irritation.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Protect the skin from sunlight while taking the drug: Tetracycline is known to increase sensitivity to sunlight, leading to a higher risk of sunburn and skin reactions. Advising clients to protect their skin from sun exposure and to use sunscreen is essential to prevent these adverse effects. This precaution helps mitigate the risk of photosensitivity reactions that are commonly associated with tetracycline use.
B) Take with orange juice to enhance gastrointestinal (GI) absorption: Tetracycline should not be taken with dairy products or antacids, as they can bind with the medication and reduce its absorption. While orange juice can enhance absorption, this is not a standard recommendation for tetracycline. Instead, it is generally advised to take tetracycline with water and avoid substances that could interfere with its absorption.
C) Return to the clinic weekly to obtain serum drug levels: Tetracycline typically does not require regular monitoring of serum drug levels, as it does not have a narrow therapeutic index like some other drugs. Instead, patients are generally advised on how to manage side effects and adherence to the medication regimen, rather than frequent clinic visits for drug level monitoring.
D) Take with milk or antacids to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) irritation: Milk and antacids should be avoided when taking tetracycline because they can bind to the medication and significantly reduce its effectiveness. This instruction could lead to decreased therapeutic efficacy and should be avoided. Tetracycline should be taken on an empty stomach to ensure optimal absorption, avoiding interactions with these substances.

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