A nurse is caring for a client who has a fungal infection and has a new prescription for amphotericin
Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the provider before initiating the medication?
Sodium 140 mEq/L B. Glucose 120 mg/dL
Potassium 4.5 mEq/L
BUN 55 mg/dL
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
Sodium levels in the blood are typically between 135 and 145 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L). A sodium level of 140 mEq/L falls within this range, indicating normal sodium levels. Sodium plays a key role in your body. It helps maintain normal blood pressure, supports the work of your nerves and muscles, and regulates your body’s fluid balance. A normal sodium level is therefore crucial for the body’s overall function.
Choice B rationale:
A glucose level of 120 mg/dL is considered normal for a fasting blood sugar test. Glucose is your body’s main source of energy. It comes from the food you eat and is carried through your bloodstream to the cells of your body. If the glucose level in the blood is too high or too low, it can indicate a medical condition such as diabetes.
Choice C rationale:
Potassium levels in the blood are typically between 3.6 and 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). A potassium level of 4.5 mEq/L falls within this range, indicating normal potassium levels. Potassium is a type of electrolyte that is vital to the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in your heart. Your blood potassium level is normally 3.6 to 5.2 millimoles per liter (mmol/L). Having a blood potassium level higher than 6.0 mmol/L can be dangerous and usually requires immediate treatment.
Choice D rationale:
The Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) test is a routine test used to assess kidney function. Urea nitrogen is a waste product that’s created in your liver when the body breaks down proteins. Healthy kidneys filter urea nitrogen from your blood, but when your kidneys aren’t working well, the BUN level rises. The normal range for BUN is typically around 7-20 mg/dL2. A BUN level of 55 mg/dL is significantly higher than the normal range, indicating that the kidneys may not be functioning properly. This is a critical finding that should be reported to the provider before initiating the medication amphotericin B. Amphotericin B is an antifungal medication used to treat serious, life-threatening fungal infections. However, it is known for its severe and potentially lethal side effects, including kidney damage. Therefore, a high BUN level should be reported to the provider before initiating this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Instructing the client to soak his feet daily is not recommended for individuals with diabetes. Soaking the feet can increase the risk of foot problems, particularly if the person has nerve damage or poor blood flow. It can lead to dry and cracked skin, which can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, this intervention should not be included in the care plan.
Choice B rationale:
Assisting the client in developing an individualized meal plan is a crucial intervention for managing type 2 diabetes. Meal planning is the first step in healthy eating and is especially important for people with diabetes because food directly impacts blood glucose levels. An individualized meal plan considers the person’s goals, tastes, lifestyle, and any medicines they’re taking. Therefore, this intervention should be included in the care plan.
Choice C rationale:
Checking the client’s blood glucose level before meals and at bedtime is an essential part of managing diabetes. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels can help track the effect of diabetes medicines, understand how diet and exercise affect blood glucose levels, and detect if blood glucose levels are high or low. Therefore, this intervention should be included in the care plan.
Choice D rationale:
Administering an extra dose of insulin if the client’s blood glucose level drops to 50 mg/dl is not recommended. If a person’s blood glucose level is already low, administering additional insulin can lead to an insulin overdose, which can be lifethreatening. Therefore, this intervention should not be included in the care plan.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While it’s important for the client’s family to be aware of the disease and take precautions, they do not necessarily need to take medications to prevent infection. Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease, but it typically requires close and prolonged contact to spread. Family members should be tested for TB, and if they test positive, then treatment would be necessary.
Choice B rationale:
This is the correct answer. A typical course of treatment for TB involves 6 to 9 months of consistent medication use. This is because TB bacteria die very slowly, and medications need to be taken for several months to ensure that all the bacteria are killed. If treatment is stopped too soon, some bacteria may survive and become resistant to the drugs.
Choice C rationale:
It’s not accurate to say that medications will need to be taken for the rest of the client’s life. While TB treatment is lengthy, it does not continue indefinitely. Once the full course of treatment is completed and the disease is cured, further medication is not typically necessary.
Choice D rationale:
The Mantoux test, also known as the tuberculin skin test, is used to determine whether a person has TB infection. However, the test can remain positive for a long time, even after successful treatment. Therefore, medications should not be taken until the Mantoux test is negative. Instead, the duration of treatment is determined by the healthcare provider based on various factors, including the patient’s response to the medication.
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