A client with type II diabetes is scheduled to have a computed tomography (CT) scan with IV contrast of the brain to rule out a brain tumor. What health teaching would the nurse include?
Your provider will obtain a signed consent from you prior to the completion of the CT scan.
You’ll need to let your doctor know if you have seafood allergies.
Do not take your scheduled dose of Metformin 500 mg PO.
The procedure will be done at the bedside.
Take your Metformin as usual before the test.
The Correct Answer is B
Title: Choice A Reason:
Patients with seafood allergies may have a higher risk of allergic reactions to iodinated contrast media used in CT scans. However, this is not a definitive contraindication. The nurse should inform the patient to notify their healthcare provider about any known allergies, including seafood, as a precautionary measure. This allows the healthcare team to take necessary steps to prevent any adverse reactions, such as premedication with antihistamines or corticosteroids.
Title: Choice B Reason:
Metformin is a common medication used to manage type II diabetes. When a patient is scheduled for a CT scan with IV contrast, it is crucial to withhold Metformin before the procedure. This is because the combination of Metformin and iodinated contrast can increase the risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and lactic acidosis, a rare but serious condition. The general recommendation is to stop Metformin at the time of or prior to the procedure and withhold it for 48 hours after the procedure, resuming only after renal function has been re-evaluated and found to be normal.
Title: Choice C Reason:
CT scans, especially those requiring IV contrast, are typically performed in a radiology suite equipped with the necessary technology and medical personnel. Performing such a procedure at the bedside is uncommon and not standard practice due to the need for specialized equipment and immediate access to emergency care in case of adverse reactions. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Title: Choice D Reason:
Taking Metformin as usual before the test is not recommended due to the risk of lactic acidosis when combined with iodinated contrast. As previously mentioned, Metformin should be withheld before and after the procedure until renal function is confirmed to be normal. This precaution helps to prevent any potential complications associated with the interaction between Metformin and the contrast agent.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: No change to the heparin rate is not appropriate in this scenario. The normal range for PTT is generally between 25 to 35 seconds. However, for a client on heparin therapy, the target PTT is typically 1.5 to 2.5 times the normal range, which would be approximately 60 to 80 seconds. Since the client’s PTT is only 25 seconds, it indicates that the blood is clotting too quickly, and the heparin dose is insufficient.
Choice B reason: Decreasing the heparin rate would further reduce the anticoagulant effect, which is not advisable given the current PTT of 25 seconds. Lowering the heparin rate could increase the risk of thrombus formation and worsen the deep vein thrombosis (DVT) condition.
Choice C reason: Stopping heparin and starting warfarin is not an immediate solution. Warfarin takes several days to achieve its full anticoagulant effect, and during this transition period, the client would be at risk of clot formation. Heparin provides immediate anticoagulation, which is crucial in the acute management of DVT.
Choice D reason: Increasing the heparin rate is the correct action. The current PTT of 25 seconds is below the therapeutic range for a client on heparin therapy. Increasing the heparin rate will help achieve the desired anticoagulant effect, prolonging the PTT to the target range of 60 to 80 seconds.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Increased serum amylase is a key indicator of acute pancreatitis. Amylase is an enzyme produced by the pancreas to help digest carbohydrates. In cases of acute pancreatitis, the pancreas becomes inflamed, leading to the release of amylase into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of serum amylase, typically more than three times the upper limit of normal, are a strong indication of acute pancreatitis. This enzyme level usually rises within a few hours of the onset of pancreatitis and can remain elevated for several days.

Choice B Reason:
Increased serum calcium is not typically associated with acute pancreatitis. In fact, acute pancreatitis can often lead to hypocalcemia (low calcium levels) due to fat saponification in the pancreas, where calcium binds with fatty acids. Therefore, an increase in serum calcium would not be expected in a patient with acute pancreatitis. Monitoring calcium levels is important, but an increase is not a diagnostic marker for this condition.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased WBC (white blood cell count) is not a characteristic finding in acute pancreatitis. On the contrary, acute pancreatitis often leads to an elevated WBC count due to the inflammatory response in the body. Leukocytosis (increased WBC) is a common finding in many inflammatory and infectious conditions, including acute pancreatitis. Therefore, a decreased WBC count would not be expected and does not support the diagnosis of acute pancreatitis.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased serum lipase is incorrect. Similar to amylase, lipase is another enzyme produced by the pancreas, which helps in the digestion of fats. In acute pancreatitis, serum lipase levels also increase significantly, often more than three times the upper limit of normal. Lipase levels tend to rise slightly later than amylase but remain elevated for a longer period, making it a useful marker for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. Therefore, decreased serum lipase would not be expected in this condition.
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