The nurse is caring for a patient with hyperparathyroidism.
Upon assessment, the nurse notes polyuria, polydipsia, nausea, and vomiting and the following lab values: Potassium: 130 mg/dL. Calcium: 4.7 mg/dL. Phosphorus: 13.1 mg/dL. Magnesium: 25 mg/dL. Which of the following medications is recommended for this patient?

Regular insulin 10 units subcutaneous.

Chlorothiazide 750 mg intravenous.

Calcitonin 300 international units subcutaneous.

Calcitriol 0.75 mcg orally.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale

Regular insulin 10 units subcutaneous is used to lower blood glucose levels in hyperkalemia. While insulin can help shift potassium into cells, it is not indicated for hypercalcemia or hyperparathyroidism. Regular insulin would not address the elevated calcium levels in this patient.

Choice B rationale

Chlorothiazide 750 mg intravenous is a diuretic that can increase calcium reabsorption in the kidneys, potentially worsening hypercalcemia. It is contraindicated in hyperparathyroidism because it can exacerbate the high calcium levels and associated symptoms.

Choice C rationale

Calcitonin 300 international units subcutaneous is the correct choice for this patient. Calcitonin inhibits osteoclast activity, reducing bone resorption and lowering serum calcium levels. It provides rapid but short-term control of hypercalcemia, which is crucial for managing acute symptoms of hyperparathyroidism.

Choice D rationale

Calcitriol 0.75 mcg orally is an active form of vitamin D that increases calcium absorption in the gut. It is used to manage hypocalcemia, not hypercalcemia. Administering calcitriol would further elevate the already high calcium levels, worsening the patient's condition.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Notifying the healthcare provider is the appropriate first action when significant ecchymosis is observed in a patient with Cushing's syndrome, as it may indicate a need for medical intervention.

Choice B rationale

Administering insulin is not relevant as the primary concern here is the ecchymosis, not hyperglycemia.

Choice C rationale

While providing skin care is important, it does not address the potential underlying cause of the ecchymosis, necessitating provider notification first.

Choice D rationale

Monitoring intake and output and daily weight is a general care measure but does not address the immediate concern of ecchymosis observed.

A. The nurse must wear a dosimeter badge when preparing and administering chemotherapy infusions. B. The patient should wear a lead apron during chemotherapy infusions. C. The nurse must wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including gloves and gown when handling chemotherapy. D. The nurse must dispose of all chemotherapy waste in the patient's sharps container.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Dosimeter badges are used for monitoring radiation exposure, not for handling chemotherapy. They are worn by healthcare workers working in areas with ionizing radiation to track their cumulative exposure and ensure it stays within safe limits.

Choice B rationale

Lead aprons are also used to protect against radiation exposure, not chemotherapy. They shield the body from ionizing radiation but do not provide protection from the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy agents.

Choice C rationale

Personal protective equipment (PPE), including gloves and gowns, is essential for safely handling chemotherapy drugs to prevent skin contact and inhalation of hazardous chemicals. This reduces the risk of exposure to these toxic agents, protecting both the nurse and the patient.

Choice D rationale

Chemotherapy waste should be disposed of in designated chemotherapy waste containers, not in standard sharps containers. These specialized containers ensure that hazardous waste is handled according to safety regulations, reducing the risk of environmental contamination and exposure.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse has received SBAR report on a patient with Cush and ecchymoses on the upper extremity.What action should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse manager is orienting a new nurse to the oncology unit.What will the nurse manager teach about best practices for safe handling and administration of chemotherapy?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is assessing a patient with metastatic prostate cancer who was admitted with sudden onset of back pain, lower extremity weakness, difficulty walking, and paresthesia in their toes.What intervention will the nurse implement for this patient?

The nurse is caring for a patient newly diagnosed with hypothyroidism who has a new prescription for levothyroxine 50 mcg orally.Which interventions will the nurse include in the plan of care? Select All That Apply.

The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for Addisonian crisis.What clinical change indicates to the nurse that the prescribed therapy was effective?

The nurse is caring for a patient who is scheduled for thyroid diagnostic testing.Which information, that may affect the test results, should be documented on the patient's electronic medical record (EMR) and communicated to the personnel conducting the test?

The nurse is caring for a patient with hypothyroidism who is prescribed levothyroxine.Which assessment data indicates to the nurse that the medication has been effective?

The nurse is caring for a patient with stage IV metastatic breast cancer, who has metastasis to the bone.During assessment, the patient appears severely weak, fatigued, confused, and continually repeats "I'm so thirsty!” What will the nurse implement in the patient's plan of care?

The nurse is caring for a woman with a family history of breast cancer who received a positive result on a breast tumor marker test.The patient is requesting a bilateral mastectomy.This is an example of which type of oncologic treatment?