Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?

Complete blood count.

Serum electrolytes.

Capillary blood glucose.

Serum liver enzymes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A reason: A complete blood count (CBC) is not typically required before starting statin therapy. While a CBC can provide valuable information about a patient’s overall health, it does not specifically relate to the potential side effects or necessary monitoring for statin use. Statins primarily affect the liver, so monitoring liver function is more critical.

Choice B reason: Serum electrolytes are important for assessing overall metabolic and kidney function, but they are not directly related to the initiation of statin therapy. Statins do not typically affect electrolyte levels, so this test is not necessary before starting the medication.

Choice C reason: Capillary blood glucose levels are important for monitoring diabetes and blood sugar control. While statins can have an impact on blood glucose levels, this is not the primary concern when initiating therapy. Monitoring liver function is more directly related to the potential side effects of statins.

Choice D reason: Serum liver enzymes are crucial to review before starting statin therapy. Statins can cause liver enzyme elevations, indicating liver damage or dysfunction. Therefore, baseline liver enzyme levels should be obtained to monitor for any potential hepatotoxicity during treatment.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason:

Contact the healthcare provider: Given the client’s history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin, there is a potential risk of cross-reactivity with cephalexin, a cephalosporin. Although the risk of cross-reactivity is relatively low, it is still significant enough to warrant caution. Studies indicate that 1-4% of people with a true penicillin allergy may also react to cephalosporins. Therefore, the nurse should contact the healthcare provider to discuss alternative antibiotics or additional precautions.

Choice B Reason:

Give with prescribed antihistamine: While antihistamines can help manage mild allergic reactions, they are not sufficient to prevent or treat anaphylaxis. Anaphylactic reactions require immediate medical intervention, including epinephrine administration. Therefore, relying solely on antihistamines is not an appropriate or safe action in this scenario.

Choice C Reason:

Administer the medication as prescribed: Administering cephalexin without consulting the healthcare provider could put the client at risk of a severe allergic reaction. Given the client’s history of anaphylaxis to penicillin, it is crucial to verify the safety of cephalexin with the healthcare provider before administration.

Choice D Reason:

Monitor the client for a rash or hives: While monitoring for allergic reactions is essential, it should not be the primary action in this case. The priority is to prevent a potential severe allergic reaction by consulting the healthcare provider before administering the medication. Monitoring alone does not address the underlying risk of cross-reactivity.

A. Denies having coughing spells. B. Able to sleep through the night. C. Expectorating bronchial secretions. D. Reports reduced nasal discharge.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Denying having coughing spells indicates that the antitussive medication benzonatate is effective. Benzonatate works by numbing the throat and lungs, reducing the cough reflex. This means that if the client is no longer experiencing coughing spells, the medication is performing its intended function.

Choice B reason: Being able to sleep through the night can be an indirect indicator of the medication’s effectiveness, but it is not as specific as denying coughing spells. While improved sleep might result from reduced coughing, it could also be influenced by other factors such as overall improvement in the client’s condition or the use of other medications.

Choice C reason: Expectorating bronchial secretions is not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of benzonatate. Benzonatate is an antitussive, meaning it suppresses the cough reflex rather than promoting the expulsion of mucus. Therefore, expectorating bronchial secretions would not be a primary measure of this medication’s effectiveness.

Choice D reason: Reporting reduced nasal discharge is also not a direct indicator of the effectiveness of benzonatate. This medication specifically targets the cough reflex and does not have a significant impact on nasal discharge. Reduced nasal discharge could be due to other factors or treatments.

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Which laboratory value should the nurse review prior to administering the initial dose of a statin medication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with a history of anaphylactic reaction to penicillin receives a prescription for cephalexin 500 mg PO twice daily. Which action should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client with a cold is taking the antitussive medication benzonatate. Which assessment information indicates to the nurse that the medication is effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A young adult female client who is planning to become pregnant asks the nurse if she can continue taking isotretinoin for cystic acne. Which information is most important for the nurse to provide this client?

The nurse is planning discharge teaching for a client with type 2 diabetes mellitus who has a new prescription for insulin glargine. Which action should the nurse plan to include in the discharge teaching?

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