The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who is receiving multiple medications. When monitoring this patient for potential drug toxicity, the nurse should review which lab values closely?
Complete blood count and serum glucose levels
Pancreatic enzymes and urinalysis
Serum creatinine and liver function tests (LFTs)
Serum lipids and electrolytes
The Correct Answer is C
A. Complete blood count (CBC) and serum glucose levels are important for overall health monitoring but do not specifically assess drug metabolism or excretion, which are key factors in drug toxicity.
B. Pancreatic enzymes and urinalysis are useful for detecting pancreatic disorders and infections but are not primary indicators of drug toxicity.
C. Serum creatinine and liver function tests (LFTs) are critical for monitoring drug toxicity, especially in older adults. The kidneys and liver are responsible for drug metabolism and excretion. Impaired kidney function, indicated by elevated serum creatinine, can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity. Abnormal LFTs suggest liver dysfunction, which can affect drug metabolism and increase toxicity risk.
D. Serum lipids and electrolytes are important for cardiovascular and metabolic health but do not directly assess drug metabolism or toxicity risk.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. While medication adherence is important, the primary reason for asking about alternative therapies is not due to concerns about compliance. Patients may use alternative therapies alongside prescribed medications, potentially leading to harmful interactions.
B. Many complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbal supplements, can interact with prescribed medications, leading to adverse effects or reduced drug efficacy. For example, St. John’s Wort can decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, including anticoagulants and antidepressants. Identifying these therapies ensures patient safety.
C. While some natural products may have therapeutic benefits, they are not necessarily more effective than prescribed medications. Healthcare providers should base treatment decisions on evidence-based practice rather than assuming an alternative therapy is superior.
D. Financial concerns are important but not the primary reason for inquiring about alternative therapies. The nurse’s main concern is the potential for harmful drug interactions rather than the cost burden on the patient.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a) The six rights of medication administration—right patient, right medication, right dose, right route, right time, and right documentation—help ensure patient safety by reducing medication errors. This is a fundamental nursing practice to prevent adverse drug reactions, overdoses, or omissions.
b) Informed consent is important but is not directly related to the six rights of medication administration. It is typically obtained before administering high-risk medications or treatments.
c) While proper medication administration includes patient education, the six rights primarily focus on safety rather than the adequacy of information given.
d) The six rights do not focus on cost-effectiveness but rather on the accurate and safe administration of drugs.
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