The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). The patient reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia.
The PN observes the patient’s respirations are 30 breaths/minute.
Which laboratory result is most important for the PN to review?
Liver function tests.
Arterial blood gases.
Complete blood count.
Basic metabolic panel.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) for HIV
treatment and reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia. These symptoms, along
with the observed increased respiratory rate, could be indicative of liver toxicity, a known
potential side effect of NRTIs. Therefore, reviewing liver function tests would be most
important in this case.
Choice B rationale
While arterial blood gases can provide valuable information about a patient’s respiratory
status, they may not be the most relevant in this context. The patient’s symptoms and the side
effect profile of NRTIs suggest that liver function may be a more pressing concern.
Choice C rationale
A complete blood count (CBC) can provide a broad overview of a patient’s general health, but it
may not provide the specific information needed to assess the patient’s current symptoms and
potential medication side effects.
Choice D rationale
A basic metabolic panel can provide information about a patient’s kidney function, electrolyte
levels, and blood sugar levels, among other things. However, given the patient’s symptoms and
medication regimen, liver function tests may be more relevant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Metronidazole is an antibiotic used to treat various infections. Seizure activity is a serious side effect of metronidazole and should be reported to the charge nurse immediately.
Choice B rationale
While headache is a common side effect of metronidazole, it is not as serious as seizure activity and does not necessarily need to be reported to the charge nurse unless it is severe or persistent.
Choice C rationale
A metallic taste in the mouth is a common side effect of metronidazole. It is not a serious side effect and does not need to be reported to the charge nurse.
Choice D rationale
Abdominal cramping can be a side effect of metronidazole. However, it is not as serious as seizure activity and does not necessarily need to be reported to the charge nurse unless it is severe or persistent.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
If a patient’s pain level remains high despite receiving regular doses of fentanyl, it may indicate
that the current dose is insufficient. The PN should report this to the healthcare provider, who
may decide to increase the dose.
Choice B rationale
While it’s important to continue monitoring the patient and assessing the pain level, this alone
may not be sufficient if the patient’s pain remains uncontrolled.
Choice C rationale
Non-pharmacological methods of pain control can be beneficial, but they are typically used in
conjunction with medication, not as a replacement for it when the pain level is high.
Choice D rationale
Informing the patient about the potential addictiveness of the medication is important, but it’s
not the most appropriate action to take in response to uncontrolled pain.
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