A client with arthritis has been receiving treatment with naproxen and now reports ongoing stomach pain, increasing weakness, and fatigue. Which laboratory test should the nurse monitor?
Osmolality
Serum calcium
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is D
A. Osmolality: Osmolality measures the concentration of solutes in the blood and is not typically affected by naproxen or indicative of the reported symptoms.
B. Serum calcium: While naproxen can cause gastrointestinal irritation and ulceration, it does not typically affect serum calcium levels. Monitoring serum calcium would not directly address the client's reported symptoms.
C. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and is not directly related to the reported symptoms of stomach pain, weakness, and fatigue associated with naproxen use.
D. Hemoglobin: Naproxen, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which may lead to anemia and a decrease in hemoglobin levels. Monitoring hemoglobin levels can help assess for gastrointestinal bleeding in this client who is experiencing stomach pain and weakness/fatigue.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale for A: Encouraging rest might seem beneficial, but it does not address the immediate comfort need of the patient who is experiencing severe epigastric pain. Resting in a supine position may actually exacerbate the pain associated with pancreatitis.
Rationale for B: Raising the head of the bed to a 90-degree angle could potentially increase intra-abdominal pressure, which may worsen the pain for a patient with pancreatitis.
Rationale for C: The reverse Trendelenburg position is not typically indicated for pain relief in pancreatitis. This position might be used to promote gastric emptying or to alleviate respiratory distress, but not specifically for pancreatitis pain.
Rationale for D: Leaning forward can help decrease the pain in pancreatitis by reducing the tension on the peritoneal surfaces. Positioning a bedside table for the client to lean across can provide the necessary support for this position, which aligns with the recommendations for pain relief in pancreatitis.
Correct Answer is ["B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. While managing pain is important, the client did not report significant pain, making it a lower priority in this scenario.
B. Quitting smoking is crucial for the client's respiratory health, especially given the history of smoking and current respiratory symptoms.
C. There is no indication that the client is at risk of skin breakdown; thus, it is not a priority in the immediate discharge plan.
D. Maintaining an oxygen saturation of 96% without supplemental oxygen is a direct indicator of improved respiratory function and a key goal for discharge.
E. Being afebrile for 24 hours would indicate that the infection is under control, which is a primary concern for discharge after presenting with flu-like symptoms.
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