Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCL to a client with a fungal toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?
Reported history of alcoholism.
Toenails appear thick and yellow.
White blood cells count of 8,500/mm3 or 85 x 109 /L (SI).
Employed as a construction worker.
The Correct Answer is A
Terbinafine HCL is primarily metabolized by the liver, and a history of alcoholism may indicate liver dysfunction or damage, which could affect the metabolism and clearance of the drug. The nurse should assess the client's liver function, including liver enzymes, bilirubin levels, and albumin levels, before administering terbinafine HCL.
While options b, c, and d may be important assessment findings, they are not as crucial as a history of alcoholism when it comes to administering terbinafine HCL.
The thick and yellow toenails (option b) are typical symptoms of a fungal toenail infection, which is the reason for prescribing terbinafine HCL.
The white blood cell count (option c) is within normal range.
Being employed as a construction worker (option d) does not have a direct impact on the use of terbinafine HCL.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client is experiencing syncope (fainting) due to a drop in blood pressure to 70/40 mm Hg, which is too low. This suggests that the client's blood pressure medications are reducing their blood pressure too much, resulting in hypotension. The rationale for the nurse's decision to hold the client's scheduled antihypertensive medications is to prevent further hypotension and allow the client's blood pressure to stabilize at a safer level.
Option a is incorrect because diuresis (increased urine output) is not a likely cause of the client's hypotension.
Option b is incorrect because the client's symptoms suggest hypotension due to reduced blood pressure, rather than drug toxicity.
Option c is incorrect because the antagonistic interaction among blood pressure medications would result in reduced effectiveness but would not necessarily cause hypotension.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Levothyroxine is a thyroid hormone replacement medication used to treat hypothyroidism. To ensure proper absorption and effectiveness of the medication, it should be taken on an empty stomach, preferably in the morning, and at least 30 minutes before eating. Therefore, when the client indicates that they understand the need to take the medication on an empty stomach, it indicates that the education was effective.
Option b, "Avoid the use of iron supplements," is also important education for clients taking levothyroxine because iron supplements can interfere with the absorption of the medication. However, it is not the best indicator of effective education because the question asks for the statement that indicates education was effective, and option a is a more direct and specific response to the medication.
Option c, "Administer levothyroxine at bedtime," is not accurate information because the medication should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach.
Option d, "Consume foods that are high in iodine," is not recommended for clients taking levothyroxine because high amounts of iodine can interfere with thyroid function. Therefore, this statement indicates a need for further education.

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