A client with intestinal obstruction has a nasogastric tube to low intermittent suction and is receiving an intravenous (IV) infusion of lactated Ringer's at 100 mL/hour.
Which finding is most important for the nurse to report to the healthcare provider? Reference Range: Potassium (3.5 to 5 mEq/L (3.5 to 5 mmol/L).

24-hour intake at the current infusion rate.

Serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.1 mmol/L).

Gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours.

Increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN).

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale:

Reporting the 24-hour intake at the current infusion rate is not the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider in this case. It is essential to monitor intake and output, but a single report of the 24-hour intake is not as critical as other findings.

Choice B rationale:

Reporting a serum potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L (3.1 mmol/L) is the most important finding to report to the healthcare provider. The patient's potassium level is below the normal range, indicating hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can have serious cardiac and neuromuscular effects, including arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Prompt intervention, such as potassium supplementation or adjustment of IV fluids, is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening condition.

Choice C rationale:

Reporting a gastric output of 900 mL in the last 24 hours is significant and should be reported to the healthcare provider, but it is not as urgent as the low potassium level. Gastric output should be monitored to assess for signs of improvement or worsening, but hypokalemia takes precedence due to its immediate health risks.

Choice D rationale:

Reporting an increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is important for the overall assessment of the patient's renal function but is not the most critical finding in this scenario. The low potassium level is a more immediate concern and requires immediate attention.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Aspirin is not typically contraindicated in a client who has taken sildenafil unless there are specific contraindications or allergies. Aspirin is often used in the management of acute chest pain to help prevent blood clot formation.

Choice B rationale:

Heparin is not contraindicated solely because the client has taken sildenafil. Heparin is an anticoagulant commonly used in various clinical settings, including the management of certain cardiac conditions.

Choice C rationale:

Morphine is not necessarily contraindicated based solely on the client's use of sildenafil. Morphine can be used to relieve chest pain in some cases of acute coronary syndrome. However, its use should be carefully evaluated based on the client's overall clinical presentation.

Choice D rationale:

Nitroglycerin should be withheld in this scenario. Sildenafil is a medication used to treat erectile dysfunction and pulmonary arterial hypertension. It can potentiate the vasodilatory effects of nitroglycerin, leading to a severe drop in blood pressure. Concomitant use of nitroglycerin and sildenafil is contraindicated due to the risk of significant hypotension, which can be life-threatening.

A. Diarrhea and flatulence. B. Muscle pain. C. Altered taste. D. Abdominal cramps.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Diarrhea and flatulence are common side effects of statin medications like lovastatin but are typically not considered emergencies. They may be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

Choice B rationale:

Muscle pain, especially if severe, requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse. Muscle pain can be a symptom of a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potential kidney damage. Prompt assessment and intervention are necessary if severe muscle pain occurs.

Choice C rationale:

Altered taste is a side effect of lovastatin but is generally not considered a medical emergency. It may affect the client's quality of life but does not require immediate follow-up.

Choice D rationale:

Abdominal cramps may occur as a side effect of lovastatin, but they are not typically considered an emergency. Like choice A, abdominal cramps can often be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client arrives at the emergency department with chest pain after taking sildenafil. Based on the client's history, which medication should the nurse withhold?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Which problem reported by a client taking lovastatin requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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