Laboratory Test	Result	reference range
Serum Creatinine	1 mg/dl (88.4 μmol/L)	0.5-1.1 mg/dL (44-97 μmol/L)
BUN	9 mg/dl. (3.2 mmol/L)	10-20 mg/dl. (3.6-7.1 mmol/L)
Sodium	136 mEq/L (136 mmol/L)	136 to 145 mEq/L (136 to 145 mmol/L)
Potassium	6.1 mEq/L (6.1 mmol/L)	3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L)

The nurse reviews the lab values.

What questions can the nurse ask the client based on the lab results? Select all that apply.

A. Unpleasant smell when using the medication:

While acetylcysteine has a distinctive odor, this is not the primary therapeutic response to expect. The odor is often described as unpleasant or sulfur-like.

B. Bronchodilation and wheezing:

Acetylcysteine is not primarily used for bronchodilation. It is used to thin mucus and facilitate its removal. Wheezing is not a common response to acetylcysteine.

When administering acetylcysteine via nebulization through an endotracheal tube to a client with pneumonia, the nurse should expect the following therapeutic response:

C. Increased sputum, requiring suctioning.

Explanation: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent used to help thin and loosen mucus in the airways, making it easier to clear secretions. When administered via nebulization, it can stimulate increased mucus production, which may result in the client needing suctioning to remove the loosened secretions. This is a desired therapeutic effect because it helps clear the airways and improve lung function in clients with conditions like pneumonia.

D. Hypotension:

Hypotension is not a common or expected therapeutic response to acetylcysteine. It is important to monitor blood pressure during administration, but hypotension is not the primary effect of this medication.

A. Take with milk or antacids to prevent gastrointestinal (GI) irritation:

Tetracycline should not be taken with milk or antacids because these can bind to the medication and reduce its absorption. It is generally recommended to take tetracycline with a full glass of water on an empty stomach, unless otherwise instructed by the healthcare provider.

When providing instructions to a client prescribed tetracycline HCl, the nurse should include the following instruction:

B. Protect the skin from sunlight while taking the drug.

Explanation: Tetracycline antibiotics can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). Exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to severe sunburn reactions. Therefore, it is important for clients taking tetracycline to avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and to use sunblock, protective clothing, and sunglasses when outdoors. This precaution helps prevent skin irritation and sunburn.

C. Return to the clinic weekly to obtain serum drug levels:

Routine monitoring of serum drug levels is not typically required for clients taking tetracycline. Monitoring may be necessary for other medications, but it is not a standard practice for tetracycline.

D. Take with orange juice to enhance GI absorption:

Like milk and antacids, taking tetracycline with orange juice can interfere with its absorption. It is generally recommended to take tetracycline with a full glass of water on an empty stomach for optimal absorption.