Prior to administering an oral dose of methylprednisolone, the nurse determines the client's serum total calcium level is 5.5 mg/dl (1.4 mmol/L). Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Reference Range:

Total Calcium 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L)
A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately

B.Administer a calcium supplement as ordered by the healthcare provider

C. Administer the medication with a glass of milk.

D. Begin tapering the drug dose per protocol.

Notify the healthcare provider immediately

Administer a calcium supplement as ordered by the healthcare provider

Administer the medication with a glass of milk.

Begin tapering the drug dose per protocol.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A) A total calcium level of 5.5 mg/dL (1.4 mmol/L) is critically low, as the normal reference range for total calcium is between 9 to 10.4 mg/dL (2.3 to 2.6 mmol/L). Hypocalcemia can lead to serious complications such as tetany, arrhythmias, and seizures. Before administering methylprednisolone, which can further decrease calcium levels and contribute to osteoporosis, it is essential to notify the healthcare provider to address the client's low calcium level. This may involve correcting the calcium deficiency before proceeding with the administration of the

B) If a healthcare provider orders a calcium supplement for the client, administering it would be appropriate to help correct the hypocalcemia before administering methylprednisolone. However, in the absence of a direct order, the nurse should first notify the healthcare provider to ensure that the client's calcium levels are addressed appropriately before proceeding with any medication that could exacerbate the issue. The priority is to manage the low calcium levels before administering corticosteroids like methylprednisolone.

C) Administering methylprednisolone with a glass of milk may help with calcium absorption; however, this does not directly address the critical issue of hypocalcemia. The nurse must first prioritize notifying the healthcare provider and correcting the calcium imbalance before proceeding with medication administration.

D) Tapering the dose of methylprednisolone is not immediately appropriate based on the low calcium level alone. Methylprednisolone is often tapered to avoid withdrawal symptoms, but the nurse's first priority is to address the client's hypocalcemia, which can have more immediate clinical consequences. The focus should be on stabilizing the calcium level first.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Recent oral intake: This information is important because pyridostigmine is typically administered orally and can interact with food, affecting its absorption. It is essential to ensure that the client has recently eaten or will eat soon to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and optimize medication absorption.

B) Trouble sleeping: While sleep disturbances can be a concern, particularly if they worsen with medication use, it may not be the most critical information to obtain before administering pyridostigmine. However, if the client experiences worsening sleep disturbances after starting the medication, it should be reported to the healthcare provider.

C) Unexplained weight loss: While weight loss can be a symptom of myasthenia gravis, it may not be directly related to the administration of pyridostigmine. However, if the client experiences significant weight loss or other unexplained symptoms, further assessment and evaluation may be necessary.

D) Difficulty with urination: Pyridostigmine can affect bladder function and may exacerbate urinary retention, especially in clients with myasthenia gravis. However, obtaining information about the client's recent oral intake is more crucial to ensure optimal medication absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Difficulty with urination should still be monitored, but it may not be the most immediate concern before administering the medication.

A. Hold the dose and notify the pharmacy to stop dispensing the next premixed doses. B. Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider of the changes in the laboratory studies. C. Begin the infusion and monitor the client's bl’od urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests. D. Begin the infusion and submit a drug reaction report to the nursing supervisor.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Hold the dose and notify the pharmacy to stop dispensing the next premixed doses: This action may prevent further administration of fluconazole, but it does not address the underlying concern of rising liver enzyme levels. Holding the dose and notifying the healthcare provider directly would be more appropriate.

B) Hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider of the changes in the laboratory studies: This is the correct response. RisIng liver enzyme levels, indIcated by an increasing trend in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), suggest potential liver dysfunction or damage, which can be a serious adverse effect of fluconazole. The nurse should hold the dose and promptly inform the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

C) Begin the infusion and monitor the client's bl’od urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine, and liver function tests: Initiating the infusion without addressing the rising liver enzyme levels could potentially worsen liver function. It is essential to hold the dose and inform the healthcare provider before proceeding with further administration.

D) Begin the infusion and submit a drug reaction report to the nursing supervisor: While it's im’ortant to document adverse reactions and submit reports as appropriate, the priority in this situation is to hold the dose and notify the healthcare provider to address the rising liver enzyme levels.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with myasthenia gravis receives a now prescription for pyridostigmine. Which information should the nurse obtain to prior to administering the medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is administering IV fluconazole to a client who has systemic candidiasis. After reviewing the client's di’gnostic studies, the nurse identifies a rising trend in the liver enzyme levels for aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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