A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.
Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because alopecia is not a common or serious adverse effect of finasteride. However, the patient should be informed that finasteride may cause decreased hair growth or loss of hair in some cases.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because finasteride is not given by injection, but by oral route. The patient should take one tablet daily with or without food.
Choice C reason: This is correct because finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested by pregnant women. The patient should wear gloves when handling the tablets and avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because finasteride can be taken with or without food. However, the patient should take it at the same time each day and follow the provider's instructions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: 0.2 tablets is not the correct answer. To convert mg to mcg, multiply by 1000. Therefore, 0.175 mg is equal to 175 mcg. To find the number of tablets, divide the dose by the amount available. Therefore, 175 mcg / 8 mcg = 21.875 tablets. Round this to the nearest whole number, which is 22 tablets.
Choice B reason: 2 tablets is not the correct answer. This is the result of dividing the dose by 100 instead of 1000, which is incorrect.
Choice C reason: 20 tablets is not the correct answer. This is the result of rounding down instead of up, which is incorrect.
Choice D reason: 22 tablets is the correct answer. This is the result of converting the dose to mcg, dividing by the amount available, and rounding to the nearest whole number.
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