Which medication should the nurse question for a client admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

Ceftriaxone, with a white blood cell count of 16,000 u/L.

Zafirlukast, with an AST of 30 units/L and ALT of 20 units/L.

Theophylline, with a theophylline level of 21 mg/dL.

Prednisone, with a glucose level of 110 mg/dL.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A Reason
Ceftriaxone is an antibiotic that may be prescribed during COPD exacerbations to treat or prevent infection. A white blood cell count of 16,000 u/L indicates an elevated level, which could be a response to infection. Therefore, ceftriaxone would be appropriate, and there is no need to question this medication based on the white blood cell count.

Choice B Reason
Zafirlukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist used for the prophylactic treatment of asthma, and it may be used off-label for COPD. AST and ALT levels are liver enzymes, and the values provided (AST of 30 units/L and ALT of 20 units/L) are within normal ranges. Thus, there is no immediate concern regarding liver function that would prompt the nurse to question the use of zafirlukast.

Choice C Reason
Theophylline is a bronchodilator used in the treatment of COPD. However, a theophylline level of 21 mg/dL is above the therapeutic range, which is generally considered to be 5-15 mg/dL. Levels above 20 mg/dL are associated with toxicity and can lead to serious side effects such as seizures or arrhythmias. Therefore, the nurse should question this medication due to the high theophylline level.

Choice D Reason
Prednisone is a corticosteroid that may be used to reduce inflammation during COPD exacerbations. A glucose level of 110 mg/dL is slightly elevated but may be expected as corticosteroids can increase blood sugar levels. This would not typically be a reason to question the use of prednisone unless the patient has poorly controlled diabetes or other specific contraindications.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason
A client with paranoid personality disorder is typically not described as superficially charming. This description is more often associated with other personality disorders, such as antisocial personality disorder, where individuals may use charm to manipulate others for personal gain.

Choice B Reason
Being friendly and open is generally not characteristic of paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this disorder are often wary of others and may be perceived as cold or distant due to their mistrust.

Choice C Reason
While intensity and impulsivity can be seen in various personality disorders, they are not the defining features of paranoid personality disorder. These traits are more commonly associated with borderline personality disorder.

Choice D Reason
Guarded and suspicious are hallmark descriptors for someone with paranoid personality disorder. Individuals with this condition are often very distrustful of others, suspecting that others have ulterior motives or are out to harm them. They may be preoccupied with doubts about the loyalty or trustworthiness of friends or associates.

A. Bleeding and swelling cause increased pressure under the fascia. B. Displaced bones compress nerves and vessels. C. Blood supply to the bone is interrupted. D. Compression of the muscle tissue restricts blood flow to the area.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A Reason
Acute compartment syndrome occurs when bleeding or swelling within an enclosed bundle of muscles – known as a muscle compartment – leads to increased pressure. This pressure can impede blood flow to the body tissue and destroy function. The fascia, which is a tough layer of fibrous tissue, does not stretch easily, so any swelling or bleeding can quickly lead to increased pressure.

Choice B Reason
While displaced bones can compress nerves and vessels, this is not the primary mechanism of acute compartment syndrome. Displaced bones are more likely to cause direct injury or impingement, but compartment syndrome specifically refers to the pressure build-up within a muscle compartment that affects circulation and tissue viability.

Choice C Reason
Interruption of blood supply to the bone is a serious concern and can lead to conditions such as avascular necrosis. However, in the context of acute compartment syndrome, the primary issue is the pressure within the muscle compartment rather than direct disruption of blood supply to the bone.

Choice D Reason
Compression of muscle tissue can restrict blood flow to the area, which is a part of the pathophysiology of compartment syndrome. However, the compression is a result of increased pressure within the compartment, not the primary cause. The increased pressure is due to bleeding and swelling, which is why choice A is the most accurate description.

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Which medication should the nurse question for a client admitted with an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The edited text with the question and the choices labeled from a to d is as follows: The nurse who assesses a client as having paranoid personality disorder is most likely to describe the client as:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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