The nurse is caring for a client who is taking the mood stabilizer divalproex sodium. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Renal creatinine clearance.

Complete blood count.

Chemistry panel.

Liver function tests.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Renal creatinine clearance is important in assessing kidney function but is not directly related to divalproex sodium therapy.
B. While CBC monitoring is essential, especially for detecting thrombocytopenia, liver function tests are more critical in this context.
C. A chemistry panel is valuable but does not specifically monitor for the primary risks associated with divalproex sodium.
D. Divalproex sodium (valproate) can cause hepatotoxicity, so monitoring liver function tests (LFTs) is crucial. Regular LFTs help detect early signs of liver damage, which can be a serious adverse effect of this medication.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Dopamine, a sympathomimetic agent, can cause significant changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure every 15 minutes is crucial to assess the client's response to the medication and to detect any adverse effects, such as hypertension or hypotension, promptly.
B. Monitoring CBC is important but not as immediately critical in this situation as monitoring blood pressure.
C. While reviewing creatinine and BUN results is important for overall kidney function, it is not the most immediate priority when administering dopamine for shock.
D. Measuring urinary output is important for assessing renal perfusion but should be done more frequently than daily in a client receiving dopamine for shock.

A. Discuss with the client that there may be a need for additional sleep if the feeling of fatigue is present the next day. B. Encourage the client to obtain a prescription for a benzodiazepine antagonist. C. Instruct the client that it is important to reduce the dose of the medication gradually. D. Advise the client to stop taking the medication immediately.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. While additional sleep may be helpful, it does not address the root cause of the hangover effect from temazepam.
B. A benzodiazepine antagonist is typically used in cases of overdose, not for managing next-day drowsiness.
C. Temazepam is a benzodiazepine, and sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should advise the client to taper off the medication gradually under medical supervision to prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize the "hangover" effect.
D. Stopping the medication abruptly can lead to withdrawal symptoms and is not recommended.

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The nurse is caring for a client who is taking the mood stabilizer divalproex sodium. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

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Correct Answer is C

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The nurse is caring for a client who is taking the mood stabilizer divalproex sodium. Which laboratory value is most important for the nurse to monitor?