Which client's laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?
Serum liver enzymes.
Serum electrolytes.
Complete blood count.
Capillary blood glucose.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Serum liver enzymes: Statins are metabolized in the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity. Baseline liver enzyme levels, such as ALT and AST, should be reviewed before starting statin therapy to ensure the liver is functioning properly and to monitor for potential adverse effects.
B. Serum electrolytes: Electrolytes are important for overall health, but they are not specifically impacted by statin therapy. Reviewing electrolyte levels is not a priority before initiating statins unless other conditions warrant it.
C. Complete blood count: A complete blood count (CBC) provides valuable information about infection or anemia, but it is not directly related to the safety or monitoring of statin medications.
D. Capillary blood glucose: Statins have been associated with a slight risk of elevated blood glucose over long-term use, but an initial capillary blood glucose reading is not required prior to starting therapy. Liver function assessment is the priority.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","F","H"]
Explanation
A. The site for the insulin administration: While site selection is important for absorption consistency, double-checking the injection site with another nurse is not required under insulin safety protocols. It is an individual nursing responsibility.
B. The insulin vial for color and clarity: Although inspecting insulin for proper color and clarity is critical, it does not formally require double-checking with another nurse. It is part of standard administration checks performed by the individual nurse.
C. The dose of insulin drawn up in the syringe: Double-checking the correct dose with another nurse is essential to prevent dosing errors. Insulin is considered a high-alert medication, and the dose must be verified to ensure client safety.
D. The insulin concentration: Insulin comes in different concentrations (e.g., U-100, U-500). Verifying the concentration with a second nurse is vital to avoid giving the wrong dose based on an incorrect strength.
E. The expiration date on the insulin vial: Checking the expiration date is necessary, but it does not formally require a second nurse verification. It is part of safe medication administration practices.
F. The sliding scale insulin lispro prescription: Ensuring the sliding scale prescription is accurately followed is crucial. Double-checking that the blood glucose reading matches the correct insulin dose according to the sliding scale prevents errors.
G. The history and physical with the diabetes diagnosis listed: Confirming a diagnosis is useful background information but is not necessary to double-check before insulin administration. The medication order itself already assumes the clinical need.
H. The type of insulin to be administered: Verifying that the correct type of insulin (e.g., insulin lispro for rapid-acting) is being used is mandatory. A second nurse must confirm that the right insulin type matches the order to avoid administration mistakes.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider (HCP): A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL is critically high and indicates hypercalcemia. Continuing calcitriol or calcium carbonate could worsen the hypercalcemia, so both medications should be held and the HCP contacted immediately for further orders.
B. Hold the calcitriol, but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled: Calcium carbonate increases serum calcium levels, and administering it would exacerbate the already dangerously high calcium level. It should not be given until the situation is reassessed.
C. Hold the calcium carbonate, but administer the calcitriol as scheduled: Calcitriol promotes intestinal absorption of calcium, which could further elevate serum calcium levels. Giving calcitriol would be unsafe until the client’s calcium status is re-evaluated.
D. Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled: Administering both medications would significantly increase the risk of severe hypercalcemia complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurologic changes, and must be avoided until new instructions are received.
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