While assessing a client who takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, the nurse observes that the client's skin looks yellow in color. Which action should the nurse take in response to this finding?
Check the client's capillary glucose level.
Use a pulse oximeter to assess oxygen saturation.
Report the finding to the healthcare provider.
Advise the client to reduce the medication dose.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale: Checking the capillary glucose level is not relevant to the observation of yellow skin color. Jaundice is related to liver function, not glucose levels.
Choice B rationale: Oxygen saturation measurement is not relevant to the observation of yellow skin color. It is used to assess the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, not liver function.
Choice C rationale: Yellow discoloration of the skin (jaundice) can be indicative of liver dysfunction or damage. Since the client takes acetaminophen for chronic pain, which is metabolized in the liver, the nurse should be concerned about potential hepatotoxicity. Reporting the findings to the healthcare provider is essential for further evaluation and management.
Choice D rationale: Reducing the medication dose is not appropriate without further evaluation and guidance from the healthcare provider. Jaundice may indicate liver dysfunction, and altering the medication without professional assessment could be unsafe.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale: Probenecid does not prevent kidney stones. Its primary function is to increase the excretion of uric acid in the urine.
Choice B rationale: Probenecid does not affect the strength of the urine stream. Its action is specific to uric acid excretion.
Choice C rationale: Probenecid is not used to alleviate pain and burning during urination. Its main indication is for gout and hyperuricemia.
Choice D rationale: Probenecid is a uricosuric drug used to treat gout and hyperuricemia. It works by inhibiting the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys, which promotes its excretion in the urine. By increasing uric acid excretion, probenecid helps to reduce the concentration of uric acid in the blood and prevent gout attacks.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
a) Assess the client for side effects of carbamazepine:
- This option might seem reasonable as monitoring for side effects is essential with any medication, especially one with a narrow therapeutic range like carbamazepine. However, the client's level of 8.4 mcg/L is within the therapeutic range (4 to 12 mcg/mL), so there's no immediate indication that side effects are likely to occur solely based on this level.
b) Notify the healthcare provider of the carbamazepine level:
- While it's important to keep the healthcare provider informed about the client's condition, in this case, the carbamazepine level is within the therapeutic range. There's no urgent need to notify the provider unless there are other concerning factors not mentioned in the scenario.
c) Administer the carbamazepine as prescribed:
- This is the correct answer. The client's morning carbamazepine level of 8.4 mcg/L falls within the therapeutic range (4 to 12 mcg/mL). Therefore, the evening dose should be administered as prescribed to maintain therapeutic levels and control the client's condition.
d) Withhold this dose of the carbamazepine:
- Withholding the dose based solely on the morning carbamazepine level of 8.4 mcg/L, which is within the therapeutic range, would not be appropriate. Withholding the dose without consulting the healthcare provider could potentially lead to suboptimal management of the client's condition.
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