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.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A) Hypertension: Phenytoin is primarily used to manage seizures, and hypertension is not a common side effect associated with its use. While monitoring blood pressure is important for overall health, it is not specifically indicated for detecting common side effects of phenytoin.
B) Peripheral edema: Peripheral edema is not a typical side effect of phenytoin. Common side effects are usually related to oral health and skin changes rather than fluid retention or swelling in the extremities.
C) Hematuria: Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is not commonly associated with phenytoin use. This side effect is more relevant to other medications or conditions, and while monitoring for overall health changes is important, it is not a primary concern with phenytoin.
D) Gingival hyperplasia: Phenytoin is well-known for causing gingival hyperplasia, which is the overgrowth of gum tissue. This is a common and notable side effect of long-term phenytoin use, making it important for the nurse to assess for this symptom in clients receiving the medication.

A. Platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10 B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.) mmol/L). C. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L). D. Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction).

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Platelet count of 100,000/mm³ (100 x 10^9/L): Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) can be a serious adverse effect of anticoagulant therapy. A platelet count of 100,000/mm³ is below the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³) and indicates potential thrombocytopenia, which could increase the risk of bleeding and may warrant immediate action.

B. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L): This BUN level is at the upper limit of normal but does not typically require immediate action unless there are other symptoms or significant changes in kidney function.

C. Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L): This value is within the normal range for serum creatinine and does not indicate an immediate concern related to enoxaparin.

D. Hematocrit 45% (0.45 volume fraction): This hematocrit level is within the normal range and does not typically require immediate action.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

To detect common untoward effects of phenytoin, the nurse should assess a client with a seizure disorder for which sign or symptom?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is receiving morphine sulfate via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump postoperatively. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to administer a prescribed PRN dose of naloxone?

A client with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is receiving calcium acetate 667 mg PO. A decrease in which blood value indicates to the nurse that the medication is having the desired effect?

When preparing to apply a scheduled fentanyl transdermal patch, the nurse notes that the previously applied patch is intact on the client's upper back and the client denies pain. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse is administering the angiotensin II receptor antagonist valsartan. Which physiological response causes its therapeutic effect?

Which instruction should the nurse provide an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) who is assisting with the personal care of a client receiving clopidogrel?

A client who has dysphagia after a cerebral vascular accident (CVA) receives a new prescription for lansoprazole capsules via nasogastric tube (NGT). Which action should the nurse implement prior to administering the medication?