A nurse is caring for a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. The patient is prescribed hydroxychloroquine to slow the progression of the disease. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse monitor for this patient?
Decreased white blood cell count
Increased blood cell count
Decreased platelet count
Increased red blood cell count
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine can cause a rare but serious side effect called bone marrow suppression. This is a decrease in the production of blood cells in the bone marrow.
White blood cells (WBCs) are a key component of the immune system, and a decrease in WBCs can make a patient more susceptible to infections.
Therefore, it's crucial for nurses to monitor the patient's WBC count to detect any potential bone marrow suppression early and take necessary actions to prevent or manage infections.
Choice B rationale:
An increased blood cell count is not a typical side effect of hydroxychloroquine.
Some conditions, like polycythemia vera, can cause an increase in blood cell count, but they are not related to hydroxychloroquine use.
Choice C rationale:
While hydroxychloroquine can sometimes cause a decrease in platelet count, it's less common than bone marrow suppression affecting WBCs.
However, it's still essential for nurses to monitor platelet counts as well, as a significantly low platelet count can impair blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding.
Choice D rationale:
Hydroxychloroquine does not typically affect red blood cell (RBC) counts.
Conditions that affect RBC counts, such as anemia, are not directly related to hydroxychloroquine use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Delivering meal trays to clients in their rooms is a simple task that does not require any specialized skills or knowledge. Volunteers can be safely assigned this task, as it does not involve any direct patient care or decision-making.
Choice B rationale:
Observing postoperative clients who are confused requires a higher level of skill and knowledge than delivering meal trays. Volunteers are not typically trained to assess and monitor patients for changes in their condition, and they may not be able to recognize and respond to potential emergencies. This task is best assigned to a licensed nurse or other qualified healthcare professional.
Choice C rationale:
Assisting ambulatory clients with meals is another task that can be safely assigned to volunteers. This task involves helping patients with simple activities such as opening food containers and cutting food. Volunteers can be trained to perform these tasks safely and effectively.
Choice D rationale:
Delivering mail is a simple task that does not require any specialized skills or knowledge. Volunteers can be safely assigned this task, as it does not involve any direct patient care or decision-making.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Providing a urine sample to determine therapeutic levels of phenytoin is not typically a part of routine discharge instructions. While monitoring of phenytoin levels is important, it's usually done through blood tests, and the frequency of testing is determined by the healthcare provider based on individual patient factors.
Choice C rationale:
Bleeding gums are not a common side effect of phenytoin. While some individuals might experience gum tenderness or overgrowth, significant bleeding is not expected.
Choice D rationale:
Antacids can actually interfere with the absorption of phenytoin, potentially reducing its effectiveness. Therefore, it's generally not recommended to take antacids regularly while on phenytoin therapy. If a patient needs to take an antacid for occasional heartburn or indigestion, it's best to take it at least 2 hours before or after the phenytoin dose.
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