A client taking a chemical stimulant laxative and medications for heart failure and osteoarthritis calls the clinic and reports, “I’m just not feeling right.” What is the priority question the nurse should ask this client?
Amount of fluid intake.
Timing of medication administration.
Previous effectiveness of laxatives.
The amount of fiber intake.
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should ask this question because the client is taking a chemical stimulant laxative, which can cause dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, especially in combination with medications for heart failure and osteoarthritis that may also affect fluid and electrolyte balance. The nurse should assess the client’s hydration status and risk of hypovolemia or hypotension.
Choice B. Timing of medication administration is wrong because it is not the priority question in this situation.
The nurse should ask this question later to determine if the client is taking the medications as prescribed and if there are any drug interactions or adverse effects.
Choice C. Previous effectiveness of laxatives is wrong because it is not relevant to the client’s current condition.
The nurse should ask this question later to evaluate the client’s bowel habits and history of constipation.
Choice D. The amount of fiber intake is wrong because it is not the priority question in this situation.
The nurse should ask this question later to educate the client about dietary measures to prevent constipation and promote bowel health.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
This is because levothyroxine can increase the anticoagulant effect of oral anticoagulants and increase the risk of bleeding. The nurse should check the client’s prothrombin time and international normalized ratio (INR) regularly and report any abnormal values to the prescriber.
Choice B is wrong because hypothyroidism does not increase the risk of infection.
Choice C is wrong because hypothyroidism does not affect the level of consciousness unless it is severe and causes myxedema coma.
Choice D is wrong because hypothyroidism does not cause electrolyte imbalances.
Normal ranges for prothrombin time are 11 to 13.5 seconds and for INR are 0.8 to 1.22.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Desmopressin is a synthetic analog of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) that acts on the kidneys to increase water reabsorption and decrease urine output. Neurogenic diabetes insipidus is a condition caused by a deficiency of ADH due to damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Patients with this condition have excessive thirst and urination, dehydration, and low urine specific gravity.
Choice B. Methylprednisolone is wrong because it is a corticosteroid that suppresses inflammation and immune response.
It is not used to treat diabetes insipidus.
Choice C. Dexamethasone is wrong because it is also a corticosteroid that has similar effects as methylprednisolone.
It is not used to treat diabetes insipidus.
Choice D. Physostigmine is wrong because it is a cholinesterase inhibitor that increases the levels of acetylcholine in the body.
It is used to treat myasthenia gravis and anticholinergic poisoning.
It has no effect on diabetes insipidus.
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