A nurse is caring for a client who has been receiving epoetin alfa in preparation for a hip arthroplasty. Which of the following findings indicate that the medication has been effective?
Hemoglobin 11 g/dL
WBC count 9,000/mm3
Total calcium 10 mg/dL
PT 12 seconds
The Correct Answer is A
Epoetin alfa is a medication used to stimulate erythropoiesis, the production of red blood cells. An increase in the client's hemoglobin level indicates that the medication has been effective. The normal range of hemoglobin for adult females is 12-16 g/dL and for adult males is 13.5-17.5 g/dL. A hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL is slightly below the normal range, but it is an improvement from a lower level. Choice B, WBC count 9,000/mm3 is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range. Choice
C, total calcium 10 mg/dL, and choice D, PT 12 seconds, are also unrelated to the medication and are within the normal range.
Choice B (WBC count 9,000/mm3) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Choice C (total calcium 10 mg/dL) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Choice D (PT 12 seconds) is not an answer because it is unrelated to the medication and is within the normal range.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D, "I should adjust the TENS unit until I feel a tingling sensation." This is an appropriate statement that indicates the client understands how to use the TENS unit. The TENS unit works by sending electrical impulses to the nerves to block pain signals. The client should adjust the unit until they feel a tingling sensation, which is the desired effect.
"The TENS unit administers a continuous dose of pain medication" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit does not administer medication.
"I will need to charge the TENS unit for 2 hours each day" is not the correct answer because the TENS unit is battery operated and does not need to be charged.
"The TENS unit should be applied at least 6 inches from the actual site of my pain" is not the correct answer because the electrodes should be placed directly on the site of the pain.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is: D.
Choice A reason: Asking a patient to rate their pain on a scale from 0 to 10 is a common method to assess the intensity of pain, not the quality. Zero indicates no pain, and ten represents the most severe pain imaginable. This scale is quantitative and helps in tracking the effectiveness of pain management over time.
Choice B reason: Inquiring if the pain is the same as it has been is a question that assesses the consistency or changes in the patient’s pain over time. It does not provide information about the quality of the pain but rather its course or any variations in the experience of pain.
Choice C reason: Asking whether the patient has any pain this morning is a question that determines the presence or absence of pain at a particular time. It does not elicit details about the nature or characteristics of the pain, which are essential to understanding its quality.
Choice D reason: Asking “What does your pain feel like?” is a qualitative question that aims to describe the characteristics of the pain, such as aching, stabbing, or burning. This information is crucial for diagnosing the cause of pain and tailoring appropriate treatment strategies. It directly addresses the quality of the pain, which is the focus of the nurse’s inquiry.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today