A client who has been taking allopurinol prophylactically comes into the clinic with reoccurring gout attack episodes in left ankle. The healthcare provider changes the prescription to febuxostat. Which instruction should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?
Eat high protein foods to achieve ideal body weight.
Report experiencing right upper quadrant discomfort.
Use electric heating pad when pain is at its worse.
Replace dietary table salt with salt substitutes.
The Correct Answer is B
Febuxostat is a medication used to manage hyperuricemia and prevent gout attacks. However, it has been associated with hepatotoxicity, including liver enzyme elevations and liver failure. Therefore, it is important for the nurse to instruct the client to report any signs or symptoms of liver dysfunction, such as right upper quadrant discomfort. This will allow for prompt evaluation and appropriate management if hepatotoxicity occurs.
While maintaining a healthy weight and dietary modifications may be beneficial for managing gout, specific instructions regarding protein intake should be individualized and provided by a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian.
Using an electric heating pad when pain is at its worst may provide temporary symptomatic relief for gout attacks, but it is not specific to the use of febuxostat. The focus of discharge teaching should be on medication adherence, monitoring for adverse effects, and lifestyle modifications to prevent gout attacks.
Replacing dietary table salt with salt substitutes is not a specific instruction for a client taking febuxostat. While reducing sodium intake may be recommended as part of an overall healthy diet, it is not directly related to the use of febuxostat or management of gout attacks. Dietary modifications for gout management should be individualized and based on the client's specific needs and preferences.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect- Dizziness is a common side effect of ramelteon and may occur initially as the body adjusts to the medication. While it's important to monitor and address dizziness, it may not require immediate reporting unless it's severe or persistent.
B) Incorrect- A change in the sleep-wake cycle is expected when using medications to treat sleep disorders. Ramelteon is designed to help regulate sleep patterns, so a change in the sleep-wake cycle is an anticipated effect.
C) Incorrect- Mild sedation is a common side effect of ramelteon and is usually well-tolerated.
It's important to educate the client about potential sedation effects and advise them not to engage in activities that require full alertness until they know how the medication affects them.
D) Correct- Somnambulism, also known as sleepwalking, is a potentially dangerous side effect that needs immediate attention from the healthcare provider. The client's safety is at risk due to the potential for injury during sleepwalking episodes.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The client's serum potassium level is elevated at 6.0 mEq/L (6.0 mmol/L), which is above the normal reference range of 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L (3.5 to 5.0 mmol/L).
Hyperkalemia can have significant cardiac implications, including the potential for life-threatening dysrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of the serum potassium level is crucial to assess the effectiveness of interventions and ensure that potassium levels are within a safe range.
While monitoring glucose levels before and after meals is important for clients receiving insulin therapy, in this scenario, the primary concern is the elevated potassium level.
The nurse should prioritize frequent assessment of the serum potassium level to guide appropriate management and prevent complications associated with hyperkalemia.
Monitoring and documenting strict intake and output are important for assessing fluid balance and renal function, but in this case, the elevated potassium level takes precedence as it poses a more immediate risk to the client's well-being.
Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) daily may be indicated in some cases of hyperkalemia, as certain ECG changes can be associated with elevated potassium levels. However, the more critical aspect is monitoring the potassium level itself, as ECG changes can occur rapidly and may not always be detectable on a daily basis.
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