The nurse is administering the sixth IV dose of gentamicin to a client with extensive full thickness burns. Which assessment finding warrants further intervention?

Reference Range:

White Blood Cell [5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 10 %/L)] Blood Urea Nitrogen [10 to 20 mg/dL (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)] Creatinine [0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 µmol/L)]

Serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/l. (141 µmol), a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL.(7.1 mmol/L)

Reports a sore mouth and three episodes of diarrhea that began this morning.

White blood count of 9,000/mm3 (9 x 109/L) and an oral temperature of 98.2° F (36.7° C) two hours ago.

Urinary output of 400 ml of clear, amber colored urine in the past eight hours.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Serum creatinine level of 1.6 mg/dL (141 µmol/L), a blood urea nitrogen (BUN) of 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L): Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside that is known for its nephrotoxic potential. Elevated serum creatinine and BUN levels are indicative of impaired kidney function, which warrants further investigation and possible intervention. This finding is significant because it may reflect kidney damage or reduced renal clearance of the drug.
B. Reports a sore mouth and three episodes of diarrhea that began this morning: While these symptoms are important and could suggest a possible adverse effect or secondary infection, they are not as immediately concerning in the context of gentamicin therapy as the potential for kidney damage indicated by elevated creatinine and BUN levels.
C. White blood count of 9,000/mm³ (9 x 10^9/L) and an oral temperature of 98.2°F (36.7°C) two hours ago: These values are within normal ranges and do not suggest an immediate concern related to gentamicin toxicity.
D. Urinary output of 400 mL of clear, amber-colored urine in the past eight hours: While monitoring urinary output is important, this level of output does not necessarily indicate a problem in the context of gentamicin therapy compared to elevated creatinine and BUN levels.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Coronary artery disease: It is crucial to assess for a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) before administering sumatriptan, as the medication is a serotonin receptor agonist that can cause vasoconstriction of coronary arteries. This can increase the risk of serious cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, particularly in clients with preexisting CAD.

B) Seasonal allergic rhinitis: While seasonal allergic rhinitis may be a concern for other medications due to potential allergic reactions or interactions, it is not directly related to the administration of sumatriptan. This condition does not pose a significant risk with the use of sumatriptan.

C) Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Although type 2 diabetes mellitus is an important consideration in the overall health management of a client, it is not the most critical condition to assess before administering sumatriptan. However, if the client has diabetes with associated complications like cardiovascular disease, this would increase concern for using sumatriptan.

D) Irritable bowel syndrome: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a gastrointestinal disorder that typically does not influence the decision to administer sumatriptan. While IBS may affect a client’s comfort or medication regimen, it does not present the same immediate risks as coronary artery disease when using sumatriptan.

A. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) B. Prothrombin time (PT). C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK) D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Atorvastatin's primary effect is to decrease LDL cholesterol levels. A decrease in LDL levels would indicate the medication is working as intended, not an increase.
B. Prothrombin time (PT): PT is a measure of blood clotting, which is not directly affected by atorvastatin. This value is more relevant for monitoring anticoagulant therapy.

C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK): CK levels can be used to monitor for muscle damage or side effects related to statin use. An increase in CK levels would suggest muscle damage, not the effectiveness of the statin.
D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a key target in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). While the primary goal of atorvastatin is to lower LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol (often termed "good" cholesterol) is also desirable as it can help reduce the risk of CAD. Therefore, an increase in HDL is a positive indicator that the medication is having a beneficial effect.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Before administering the initial dose of sumatriptan succinate to a client with a migraine headache, it is most important to determine if the client's history includes which problem?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

An increase in which serum lab value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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