A nurse is caring for a client who has a new prescription for metformin. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse evaluate prior to administering the first dose?
Potassium level
Creatinine level
Platelet count
Liver enzymes
The Correct Answer is B
Before administering the first dose of metformin, the nurse should evaluate the client's creatinine level. Metformin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, and its clearance from the body depends on the renal function. If the client has impaired kidney function, metformin can accumulate in the body and lead to potential adverse effects, particularly lactic acidosis.
Monitoring the creatinine level helps assess the client's kidney function and determines whether it is safe to administer metformin. If the creatinine level is elevated, indicating reduced kidney function, the nurse should consult with the healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dose adjustment or consider an alternative treatment option.
Let's go through the other options and explain why they are not the priority laboratory results to evaluate before administering metformin:
A. Potassium level: While monitoring potassium levels is important in some situations, it is not a primary concern before administering metformin. Metformin does not have a significant effect on potassium levels, and it is not a medication known for causing hypokalemia (low potassium levels).
C. Platelet count: Metformin does not have a direct impact on platelet count, and evaluating platelet count is not typically required before starting metformin therapy. Platelet count monitoring may be relevant for certain other medications or medical conditions, but it is not specific to metformin administration.
D. Liver enzymes: While it is essential to monitor liver function in clients on long-term metformin therapy, evaluating liver enzymes before the first dose of metformin is not the priority. Metformin is primarily cleared by the kidneys, and liver enzymes are not directly affected by its initial administration. However, ongoing monitoring of liver function may be necessary during long-term
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Exenatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus. The nurse should plan to administer exenatide via the subcutaneous route.
Subcutaneous administration involves injecting the medication into the fatty tissue just below the skin. Exenatide is available as a subcutaneous injection and is typically given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Oral: Exenatide is not available in an oral form. It is a peptide-based medication that would be destroyed by stomach acid and digestive enzymes if taken orally. Therefore, it must be administered via injection to be effective.
B. Intramuscular: Exenatide is not administered intramuscularly. Intramuscular injections are given deep into the muscle tissue, and exenatide is not formulated or intended for this route of administration.
D. Intravenous: Exenatide is not administered intravenously. Intravenous injections are given directly into the bloodstream, and exenatide is not suitable for this route of administration.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
When providing discharge teaching to a client with a prescription for enoxaparin, the nurse should include the instruction to expel the air bubble prior to injecting the medication. Enoxaparin is a type of anticoagulant medication that is administered as a subcutaneous injection.
Here's why the other options are incorrect:
A. Insert the needle at a 45 angle: Enoxaparin is typically administered as a subcutaneous injection, where the needle is inserted at a 90-degree angle (straight into the skin). A 45-degree angle is used for intramuscular injections, but it is not appropriate for enoxaparin administration.
B. Inject the medication into a muscle: Enoxaparin is not intended to be injected into a muscle. It is a low-molecular-weight heparin designed for subcutaneous administration, meaning it is injected just below the skin into the fatty tissue.
C. Rub the injection site following administration: Rubbing the injection site after administering enoxaparin or any other subcutaneous medication is not recommended. Rubbing the site can cause irritation and bruising. Instead, the nurse should apply gentle pressure with a cotton ball or gauze pad for a few seconds after the injection to help minimize bleeding.
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