A client with pneumonia who has an emergent episode of respiratory distress is intubated and transferred to the intensive care unit. The client's chest x-ray shows consolidation in the left lobe, and physical assessment reveals diminished lung sounds. The nurse administers acetylcysteine as prescribed per nebulization via endotracheal tube. Which therapeutic response of this medication should the nurse expect?

Bronchodilation and wheezing.

Unpleasant smell when using the medication.

Increased sputum, requiring suctioning.

Hypotension.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice C reason: Acetylcysteine is a mucolytic agent that breaks down mucus and makes it easier to cough up or suction out. This helps to clear the airways and improve oxygenation. The nurse should expect to see increased sputum production after administering acetylcysteine and provide frequent suctioning as needed.

Choice A reason: Bronchodilation and wheezing are not therapeutic responses of acetylcysteine, but rather possible adverse effects. Acetylcysteine can cause bronchospasm or bronchoconstriction in some clients, especially those with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The nurse should monitor the client's breath sounds and oxygen saturation and report any signs of respiratory distress.

Choice B reason: Unpleasant smell when using the medication is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a common side effect. Acetylcysteine has a rotten egg odor that can be unpleasant for both the client and the nurse. The nurse can minimize this by using a mouthwash or a flavored lozenge before and after administering acetylcysteine.

Choice D reason: Hypotension is not a therapeutic response of acetylcysteine, but rather a rare but serious adverse effect. Acetylcysteine can cause vasodilation or hypovolemia in some clients, leading to low blood pressure and shock. The nurse should monitor the client's vital signs and report any signs of hypotension.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: This is the best option to measure the peak and trough levels of vancomycin, as it reflects the highest and lowest concentrations of the drug in the blood. The peak level indicates the efficacy and potential toxicity of vancomycin, while the trough level indicates the clearance and potential subtherapeutic effect of vancomycin. The peak level should be drawn immediately after completion of the IV dose, as it takes about 30 minutes for vancomycin to reach its maximum concentration in the blood. The trough level should be drawn 30 minutes before the next administration of the medication, as it represents the lowest concentration of vancomycin in the blood before it is replenished by another dose.

Choice B reason: This is not a good option to measure the peak and trough levels of vancomycin, as it may not capture the true highest and lowest concentrations of the drug in the blood. The peak level may be lower than expected, as it takes about 30 minutes for vancomycin to reach its maximum concentration in the blood. The trough level may be higher than expected, as it is drawn too close to the next administration of the medication.

Choice C reason: This is not a good option to measure the peak and trough levels of vancomycin, as it does not reflect the highest and lowest concentrations of the drug in the blood. The peak level is drawn too early, as vancomycin has not reached its maximum concentration in the blood yet. The trough level is drawn too late, as vancomycin has already started to decline in the blood.

Choice D reason: This is not a good option to measure the peak and trough levels of vancomycin, as it may miss the highest and lowest concentrations of the drug in the blood. The peak level is drawn too late, as vancomycin may have already started to decline in the blood. The trough level is drawn too early, as vancomycin may have not reached its minimum concentration in the blood yet.

A. Sucralfate. B. Vancomycin. C. Lorazepam. D. Digoxin.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice B reason: Vancomycin is an antibiotic that can treat serious bacterial infections that are resistant to other antibiotics. However, vancomycin can also cause nephrotoxicity, or damage to the kidneys, especially when given in high doses or for prolonged periods. Nephrotoxicity can lead to AKI, which is a sudden and severe decrease in kidney function that can cause fluid and electrolyte imbalances, acid-base disorders, uremia, and death. Therefore, the nurse should closely monitor the client who is receiving vancomycin for development of AKI by checking their serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels, urine output and specific gravity, and signs and symptoms of fluid overload or dehydration.

Choice A reason: Sucralfate is an anti-ulcer drug that forms a protective coating over the stomach lining and prevents further damage from acid or pepsin. Sucralfate does not cause nephrotoxicity or AKI and has minimal systemic absorption or side effects. Therefore, the nurse does not need to closely monitor the client who is taking sucralfate for development of AKI.

Choice C reason: Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that can treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, or alcohol withdrawal. Lorazepam does not cause nephrotoxicity or AKI and has low renal clearance or elimination. Therefore, the nurse does not need to closely monitor the client who is taking lorazepam for development of AKI.

Choice D reason: Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that can treat heart failure or atrial fibrillation by increasing the force and efficiency of heart contractions and slowing down the heart rate. Digoxin does not cause nephrotoxicity

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is receiving intravenous (IV) vancomycin and the nurse plans to draw blood for a peak and trough to determine the serum level of the drug. Which collection times provide the best determination of these levels?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

When administering medications to a group of clients, which client should the nurse closely monitor for development of acute kidney injury (AKI)?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client in the surgical recovery area asks the nurse to bring the largest possible dose of pain medication available. Which action should the nurse implement first?

On admission, the healthcare provider prescribes a broad spectrum antibiotic for a client with a gram-negative infection. Before administering the first dose, it is most important for the nurse to implement which prescription?

An older adult with iron deficiency anemia is being discharged with a prescription for ferrous sulfate enteric-coated tablets. To promote best absorption of the medication, which information should the nurse include in the discharge instructions?

A client with benign prostatic hyperplasia receives a new prescription of tamsulosin. Which intervention should the nurse perform to monitor for an adverse reaction?

After receiving five doses of filgrastim, the nurse notes that the client's white blood cell count has increased from 2,500/mm3 (2.5 x 109/L) to 5,000/mm3 (5 x 109/L). Which action should the nurse implement? White Blood Cell (WBC) [Reference Range: 5000 to 10,000/mm3 (5 to 10 x 109/L)]

Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the client's total calcium level is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?

A client with chemotherapy-induced nausea receives a prescription for metoclopramide. Which adverse effect is most important for the nurse to report?

A female client who is a vegetarian has a new prescription for warfarin. The client states she eats leafy green vegetables every day. How should the nurse respond?