A client who had a kidney transplant last week is receiving cyclosporine. This morning the client reports experiencing a headache and blurred vision. Based on which assessment finding should the nurse withhold the medication until the healthcare provider (HCP) is notified?
Temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C).
Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
Renal output of 120 mL/hour.
Blood pressure 180/98 mm Hg.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Temperature of 100.8° F (38.2° C): A mildly elevated temperature in a post-transplant client may suggest infection or early rejection, both of which warrant monitoring. However, this is not a direct reason to withhold cyclosporine, which is essential for preventing organ rejection.
B. Elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN): Elevated BUN could indicate impaired renal function, which should be monitored during cyclosporine therapy. However, this alone is not an urgent reason to withhold the medication without further evaluation of kidney function trends and symptoms.
C. Renal output of 120 mL/hour: This is a healthy urine output and suggests good renal perfusion and function. It does not present any contraindication to continuing cyclosporine and supports that the transplanted kidney is functioning well.
D. Blood pressure 180/98 mm Hg: Hypertension is a known side effect of cyclosporine and can become severe. A blood pressure this high, especially when accompanied by headache and blurred vision, suggests possible cyclosporine-induced hypertensive crisis or toxicity, and warrants immediate withholding of the medication and notification of the HCP.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider (HCP): A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL is critically high and indicates hypercalcemia. Continuing calcitriol or calcium carbonate could worsen the hypercalcemia, so both medications should be held and the HCP contacted immediately for further orders.
B. Hold the calcitriol, but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled: Calcium carbonate increases serum calcium levels, and administering it would exacerbate the already dangerously high calcium level. It should not be given until the situation is reassessed.
C. Hold the calcium carbonate, but administer the calcitriol as scheduled: Calcitriol promotes intestinal absorption of calcium, which could further elevate serum calcium levels. Giving calcitriol would be unsafe until the client’s calcium status is re-evaluated.
D. Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled: Administering both medications would significantly increase the risk of severe hypercalcemia complications, such as cardiac arrhythmias or neurologic changes, and must be avoided until new instructions are received.
Correct Answer is ["A","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. No known allergies: Confirming the client has no allergies to vancomycin or related substances is critical for safe administration. Administering an antibiotic to a client with a known allergy could result in life-threatening anaphylaxis.
B. Used for prophylaxis: Although vancomycin is often used prophylactically before procedures to prevent infection, the indication alone does not ensure that it is safe to administer. Safety focuses more on client-specific factors like allergies and organ function.
C. Potassium 4.4 mEq/L (4.4 mmol/L): This is a normal potassium level and reflects good electrolyte balance but does not directly relate to the safety of administering vancomycin, which is more concerning for kidney function and allergic reactions.
D. Dosage in safe range: Verifying that the vancomycin dose is within the recommended therapeutic range is essential to prevent toxicity, particularly nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity, which are risks with improper dosing.
E. Peripheral IV (PIV) in large vein: Administering vancomycin through a large-bore IV in a large vein reduces the risk of phlebitis and tissue irritation. Proper venous access is an important safety consideration when giving this medication.
F. Blood urea nitrogen 17 mg/dL (6.07 mmol/L): A normal BUN level suggests that renal function is adequate. Since vancomycin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, good renal function supports safe medication clearance and reduces toxicity risk.
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