A nurse is caring for a client who is taking azathioprine to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following laboratory values indicates an adverse effect of this medication?
BUN 15 mg/dL
WBC 3,000/mm²
Het 45W
Platelets 250.000/mm²
The Correct Answer is B
A. BUN 15 mg/dL (Blood Urea Nitrogen):
BUN is a measure of kidney function, and an elevated BUN may suggest impaired kidney function. However, it is not a specific marker for azathioprine adverse effects.
B. WBC 3,000/mm² (White Blood Cell count):
This is the correct answer. Azathioprine can suppress bone marrow function, leading to leukopenia (low white blood cell count). A WBC count of 3,000/mm² indicates a lower-than-normal white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of infection.
C. Hct 45% (Hematocrit):
Hematocrit measures the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. While it can be affected by various factors, it is not a specific marker for azathioprine adverse effects.
D. Platelets 250,000/mm²:
Platelets are involved in blood clotting, and a platelet count of 250,000/mm² is within the normal range. Azathioprine is not typically associated with adverse effects on platelet counts.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A vein that feels hard to the touch:
A vein that feels hard to the touch may indicate thrombosis or inflammation and is not a suitable site for catheter insertion.
B. A vein in the client's dominant arm:
The choice of arm may depend on the client's preference, but it is not a strict rule. The nurse can choose a suitable vein in either arm based on factors such as accessibility and vein condition.
C. A vein proximal to the previous site:
This is the correct answer. Placing the catheter proximal (above or upstream) to the previous site helps minimize the risk of complications such as infiltration and thrombophlebitis at the new site. It allows for optimal vein health and reduces the likelihood of complications associated with repeated punctures in the same area.
D. A vein on the client's wrist:
Veins on the wrist may be smaller and more prone to complications. It is generally recommended to choose larger, more accessible veins for catheter insertion.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Inform the client there is a prescription available if needed:
This response does not address the urgency indicated by the prescription stating "NOW." It is essential to take immediate action when the prescription indicates an urgent administration.
B. Notify the pharmacy to send the medication immediately:
While timely medication administration is crucial, contacting the pharmacy directly without clarification from the provider may lead to misinterpretation or errors. It's important to confirm the prescription details first.
C. Administer the medication within 90 minutes:
The prescription indicating "NOW" suggests a need for more immediate administration than within 90 minutes. Waiting for 90 minutes may not be in line with the urgency implied by the prescription.
D. Contact the provider to clarify the prescription:
This is the correct action. The prescription is ambiguous, and the nurse should seek clarification from the provider regarding the urgency of administration, the reason for the medication, and any other pertinent details to ensure safe and appropriate care.
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