The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue. Which of the client's serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?

Glucose.

Total protein.

Sodium.

Hemoglobin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Glucose is a measure of blood sugar levels, and it may be affected by various factors, such as diet, medication, stress, or infection. However, glucose is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the glucose levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.

Choice B reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Total protein is a measure of the amount of protein in the blood, and it may reflect the nutritional status, liver function, or kidney function of the client. However, total protein is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the total protein levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.

Choice C reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Sodium is a measure of the electrolyte balance in the blood, and it may be affected by fluid intake, fluid loss, or hormonal regulation. However, sodium is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the sodium levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.

Choice D reason: This is the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Hemoglobin is a measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it may indicate the presence of anemia, which is a common adverse effect of diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The client's appearance and fatigue may be signs of anemia, which can impair the tissue oxygenation and worsen the client's condition. The nurse should review the hemoglobin levels and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider. The nurse should also assess the client for other signs of bleeding, such as melena, hematemesis, or hematuria.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Administering both prescribed medications as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. The client's total calcium level is above the normal range of 9 to 10.5 mg/dL (2.25 to 2.62 mmol/L), indicating hypercalcemia. Hypercalcemia is a serious condition that can cause nausea, vomiting, constipation, confusion, kidney stones, and cardiac arrhythmias. Giving more calcitriol and calcium carbonate would worsen the client's condition and increase the risk of complications.

Choice B reason: Holding the calcium carbonate, but administering the calcitriol as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides extra calcium to the body. Calcitriol is a synthetic form of vitamin D that helps the body absorb calcium from the intestines and kidneys. Both medications can increase the blood calcium level and cause hypercalcemia. The nurse should not give either medication without consulting the healthcare provider.

Choice C reason: Holding both medications until contacting the healthcare provider is the best action in this situation. The nurse should recognize that the client's total calcium level is dangerously high and report it to the healthcare provider as soon as possible. The healthcare provider may order to stop or adjust the doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate, and prescribe other treatments to lower the blood calcium level, such as intravenous fluids, diuretics, or bisphosphonates.

Choice D reason: Holding the calcitriol, but administering the calcium carbonate as scheduled is not the appropriate action in this situation. Calcium carbonate is a supplement that provides extra calcium to the body. Giving more calcium carbonate to a client with hypercalcemia would increase the blood calcium level even more and cause more harm. The nurse should not give any medication that can raise the blood calcium level without consulting the healthcare provider.

A. Employed as a construction worker. B. Reported history of alcoholism. C. White blood cell count of 8,500/mm3 (8.5 x 10^9/L). D. Toenails appear thick and yellow.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Employed as a construction worker is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. Although the client's occupation may expose them to moist and warm environments that can promote fungal growth, it is not directly related to the administration of terbinafine HCL. The nurse should advise the client to wear breathable shoes and socks and keep the feet dry and clean, but it is not a priority.

Choice B reason: Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. Terbinafine HCL can cause hepatotoxicity, especially in clients with pre-existing liver disease or who consume alcohol regularly. The nurse should assess the client's liver function tests and alcohol intake before starting the medication and inform the prescriber accordingly. The nurse should also monitor the client for signs and symptoms of liver damage, such as jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, or fatigue.

Choice C reason: White blood cell count of 8,500/mm3 (8.5 x 10^9/L) is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. This value is within the normal reference range of 5,000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 10^9/L) and does not indicate any infection or inflammation. The nurse should check the client's baseline blood counts before starting the medication, but it is not a priority.

Choice D reason: Toenails appear thick and yellow is not the most important assessment finding for the nurse to address. This is a typical manifestation of a fungal toenail infection, which is the indication for terbinafine HCL. The nurse should expect the toenails to improve in appearance and texture after the completion of the treatment, which may take several weeks or months. The nurse should educate the client about the expected outcomes and adherence to the medication regimen, but it is not a priority.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue. Which of the client's serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

After administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCL to a client with a fungal toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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