The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, for mild pain. Which laboratory test result should the nurse monitor closely in this client?
Serum creatinine
Serum potassium
Serum albumin
Serum bilirubin.
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D. Serum bilirubin. The nurse should monitor the client’s serum bilirubin level closely because acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure in cases of overdose.
Serum bilirubin is a marker of liver function and damage.
A high level of serum bilirubin indicates jaundice, a sign of liver injury.
Choice A is wrong because serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function and damage. Acetaminophen has limited nephrotoxicity compared to NSAIDs.
Choice B is wrong because serum potassium is not directly affected by acetaminophen.
Serum potassium is an electrolyte that reflects fluid and acid-base balance in the body.
Choice C is wrong because serum albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver.
Although serum albumin may be low in chronic liver disease, it is not a sensitive indicator of acute liver injury caused by acetaminophen overdose.
Normal ranges for serum bilirubin are 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults and 1 to 12 mg/dL for newborns.
Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5 mEq/L for adults and children.
Normal ranges for serum albumin are 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL for adults and children.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C) Chest pain.
This is because chest pain can be a sign of a serious cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke, which can be fatal.
Celecoxib is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that belongs to the class of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors.These drugs can increase the risk of cardiovascular thrombotic events, especially in patients with a history of heart disease or risk factors.
Therefore, the nurse should instruct the client to report chest pain immediately and seek emergency medical attention.
Choice A) Constipation is wrong because it is not a common or serious side effect of celecoxib.
Constipation can be caused by many factors, such as diet, dehydration, lack of exercise, or other medications.It can be managed by increasing fluid and fiber intake, using laxatives or stool softeners as needed, and consulting a doctor if it persists or worsens.
Choice B) Nausea is wrong because it is a common but mild side effect of celecoxib that usually goes away with time or can be reduced by taking the medication with food or milk.
Nausea is not a sign of a serious adverse reaction and does not require immediate medical attention.
Choice D) Headache is wrong because it is also a common but mild side effect of celecoxib that can be treated with over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
However, the client should avoid taking aspirin or other NSAIDs with celecoxib, as this can increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A, B, and C. These are all liver enzymes that can indicate hepatotoxicity (liver damage) from acetaminophen overdose.
The normal ranges for these enzymes are:
• AST: 10 to 40 U/L
• ALT: 7 to 56 U/L
• ALP: 45 to 115 U/L
Choice D and E are wrong because they are indicators of renal function, not liver function.
The normal ranges for these values are:
• BUN: 7 to 20 mg/dL
• Creatinine: 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL
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