A nurse inadvertently administers 160 mg of valsartan PO to a client who was scheduled to receive 80 mg.

Which of the following actions is the priority for the nurse to take?

The correct answer is choice A: “We can review some information to help you select a safe alternative practitioner.” This statement shows respect for the client’s interest in alternative therapies and offers guidance on how to choose a reliable and qualified provider. Alternative therapies can provide some benefits for people with rheumatoid arthritis, such as reducing pain, inflammation, and stiffness, but they should be used as a complement to conventional treatments and not as a substitute.

Choice B is wrong because it implies that the client has no role in deciding their own treatment plan and that alternative therapies are not worth considering.

This may discourage the client from sharing their preferences and concerns with the provider.

Choice C is wrong because it suggests that online support groups are a reliable source of information about alternative remedies, which may not be true.

Online sources may contain inaccurate, misleading, or harmful information that could jeopardize the client’s health and safety.

Choice D is wrong because it encourages the client to try any therapy that fits their personal belief system, without considering the evidence, effectiveness, or potential risks of such therapies. Some alternative therapies may interact with medications, cause side effects, or worsen the condition.

Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are not applicable in this question, as it is not asking about laboratory values or disease activity measures. However, some common tests used to diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis include erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Creactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibodies, and joint ultrasound or X-ray.

The normal ranges for these tests may vary depending on the laboratory and the method used.

A. BP 150/92 mm Hg:

• This blood pressure reading is elevated and not a therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. In the context of preeclampsia, the goal is usually to lower blood pressure to prevent complications.

B. Pulse rate 100/min:

• The pulse rate of 100/min is not a specific therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. However, magnesium sulfate may cause a decrease in heart rate, so monitoring for bradycardia would be important.

C. Flushed face:

• A flushed face is not a specific therapeutic effect of magnesium sulfate. Facial flushing may be associated with other factors, but it is not a primary consideration when monitoring the effectiveness of magnesium sulfate in the context of preeclampsia.

D. Negative clonus:

• Negative clonus is the correct therapeutic effect to monitor. Clonus refers to a series of involuntary, rhythmic, and repetitive muscle contractions and relaxations. In the context of magnesium sulfate administration for preeclampsia, negative clonus (the absence of abnormal reflexes) is a sign that the magnesium levels are within the therapeutic range, helping to prevent seizures.