Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the total level of calcium is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled.
Hold the calcitriol but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled.
Hold the calcium carbonate but administer the calcitriol as scheduled.
Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is higher than the normal range of 2.2 to 2.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)1. Calcitriol and calcium carbonate are both medications used to increase calcium levels in the blood2. Since the client’s calcium level is already high, it would be important for the nurse to hold both medications and contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is given once daily at the same time every day via subcutaneous injection. Therefore, it is essential to teach the client self-injection skills for daily subcutaneous administration to ensure proper administration of insulin.
Option b is incorrect because insulin glargine is typically given at the same dose every day, not based on before meal blood sugar readings.
Option c is incorrect because insulin glargine is not used for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, and it should not be administered by someone who is not trained to do so.
Option d is incorrect because ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that requires urgent medical atention, and increasing medication dosage is not appropriate for this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Before administering the first dose of any antibiotic, it is essential to obtain a culture and sensitivity test to identify the causative organism and determine the most effective antibiotic to use. Administering a broad- spectrum antibiotic before obtaining a culture and sensitivity test may lead to the development of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria, making it more difficult to treat the infection in the future.
Options a, c, and d are not as important as obtaining a culture and sensitivity test. Monitoring for signs of sodium and fluid retention, irrigation and topical antibiotic application to the wound area, and completing blood count and serum electrolytes are important, but obtaining a culture and sensitivity test is the priority.
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