A nurse in a clinic is planning care for a child who has ADHD and is taking atomoxetine.
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor?

Answer is: c. Protect the IV bag from exposure to light.

Explanation: Nitroprusside degrades when exposed to light, so the nurse should protect the IV bag from light exposure to maintain the medication's potency and effectiveness in treating the client's severe hypertension.

Choice a. is wrong because calcium gluconate is used as an antidote for magnesium sulfate toxicity. Although it may be kept on hand in some facilities, it is not directly related to the administration of nitroprusside.

Choice b. is wrong because attaching an inline filter is not necessary when administering nitroprusside. It is more relevant for medications that require filtration, such as certain chemotherapeutic agents.

Choice d. is wrong because monitoring blood pressure every 2 hours is not frequent enough for a client receiving nitroprusside. The nurse should monitor the client's blood pressure more frequently, such as every 5 to 15 minutes, depending on facility policies and the client's condition.

Choice A rationale:

A client with obsessive-compulsive disorder being upset about a change in daily routine is concerning but does not present an immediate threat to their physical health or require urgent attention compared to a potential medical emergency like a sore throat.

Choice B rationale:

Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause agranulocytosis, a potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a severe reduction in white blood cell count. Sore throat could be an early sign of this serious adverse effect. Therefore, a client taking clozapine reporting a sore throat requires immediate evaluation to rule out agranulocytosis, which can progress rapidly if not addressed promptly.

Choice C rationale:

A client with narcissistic personality disorder mocking others during group therapy is disruptive and inappropriate behavior but does not require immediate attention unless it escalates into a situation that threatens the safety of others or the therapeutic environment.

Choice D rationale:

A client with depressive disorder requiring assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) needs support and care, but this does not indicate an urgent situation. While assistance with ADLs is important for the client's well-being, it is not a priority over a potential medical emergency like agranulocytosis.