When caring for a client receiving a 20% mannitol IV solution at the rate of 100 grams/24 hours (or 70 mg/min), which outcome data is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to collect?

Ankle circumference

Heart rate

Dietary intake

Urinary output

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: Ankle circumference monitors edema, which mannitol reduces by drawing fluid from tissues. However, this is secondary to urinary output, as mannitol’s primary action is diuresis, increasing urine production to reduce intracranial or intraocular pressure, making edema measurement less critical.

Choice B reason: Heart rate is relevant for overall monitoring but not the primary outcome for mannitol, which acts as an osmotic diuretic. Cardiovascular effects are secondary, and mannitol’s efficacy is better assessed by urine output, which directly reflects its diuretic mechanism.

Choice C reason: Dietary intake is unrelated to mannitol’s therapeutic effect. Mannitol pulls fluid into the bloodstream, increasing urine output, not influenced by diet. Monitoring intake may be relevant for other conditions, but it is not critical for assessing mannitol’s diuretic action.

Choice D reason: Urinary output is the most important outcome, as mannitol, an osmotic diuretic, increases urine production by drawing fluid into the renal tubules, reducing intracranial or intraocular pressure. Adequate output (e.g., >30 mL/hour) confirms efficacy, preventing fluid overload or renal complications.

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 B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Peak and trough levels are relevant for drugs like antibiotics, not meloxicam, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Meloxicam’s efficacy is assessed clinically, not via blood levels, as it reduces inflammation and pain, making this choice irrelevant for costochondritis management.

Choice B reason: Reassessing pain 30 minutes after meloxicam administration evaluates its effectiveness, as this NSAID inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin-mediated inflammation and pain in costochondritis. Timely reassessment ensures adequate pain relief, guiding further interventions for breathing discomfort, making this the appropriate intervention.

Choice C reason: Involuntary lip and tongue movements are associated with antipsychotics, not meloxicam. This NSAID does not cause neurological side effects like tardive dyskinesia. Monitoring for this is irrelevant, as meloxicam’s primary concerns are gastrointestinal or renal, not movement disorders.

Choice D reason: Strict intake and output monitoring is unnecessary for meloxicam, which primarily affects inflammation, not fluid balance. While long-term use may impact kidneys, pain reassessment is more immediate for costochondritis, making this choice less relevant than evaluating therapeutic pain relief.

A. Contact the healthcare provider B. Monitor the client for a rash or hives C. Give with prescribed antihistamine D. Administer the medication as prescribed

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Cephalexin, a cephalosporin, has a 5–10% cross-reactivity risk with penicillin allergies due to similar beta-lactam structures. An anaphylactic history increases the risk of severe reactions. Contacting the provider ensures safety, potentially leading to an alternative antibiotic to prevent life-threatening allergic responses.

Choice B reason: Monitoring for rash or hives is reactive and insufficient for a client with a penicillin anaphylaxis history. Cephalexin’s cross-reactivity risk requires proactive avoidance, not just observation, as anaphylaxis can occur rapidly, making this choice inadequate compared to provider consultation.

Choice C reason: Giving cephalexin with an antihistamine does not prevent anaphylaxis, which can be rapid and severe in penicillin-allergic clients. Antihistamines mitigate mild allergies but are ineffective against severe reactions. This choice is unsafe without confirming the drug’s appropriateness first.

Choice D reason: Administering cephalexin as prescribed ignores the significant risk of cross-reactivity with penicillin, given the client’s anaphylactic history. This could trigger a life-threatening reaction, as cephalosporins share structural similarities with penicillins, making immediate administration without verification dangerous.

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

When caring for a client receiving a 20% mannitol IV solution at the rate of 100 grams/24 hours (or 70 mg/min), which outcome data is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to collect?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the plan of care (POC) for a client with costochondritis who is now experiencing increased discomfort in breathing. The client receives a prescription for meloxicam. Which intervention should the PN include in the client’s POC?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with a history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin receives a prescription for cephalexin 500 mg by mouth twice daily. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The practical nurse (PN) administers filgrastim subcutaneous to a client with neutropenia. The client becomes troubled with bone pain. Which action should the PN take?

The practical nurse (PN) is administering the 0900 medications to a client who was admitted during the night. Which client statement indicates that the PN should further assess the prescription?

Which laboratory value should the practical nurse (PN) monitor to determine if an antilipidemic medication is having the desired effect for the client?

A client with emphysema who is receiving a bronchodilator reports to the practical nurse (PN) feelings of jitters and dry mouth. Which finding should the PN record as a measure of the medication’s effectiveness?

A client is receiving diazepam IV, a benzodiazepine anticonvulsant, for status epilepticus. Which intervention is most important for the practical nurse (PN) to implement?

The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client who has been taking ibuprofen for arthritic pain. Which action should the PN include in the client’s plan of care (POC)?

The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a client with costochondritis who is now experiencing increased discomfort in breathing. The client receives a prescription for meloxicam. Which intervention should the PN include in the client’s POC?

The practical nurse (PN) is discharging a client who had an anaphylactic reaction following administration of ampicillin. Which instruction is most important for the PN to provide this client?