A nurse is monitoring a client's response to receiving glipizide instead of guaifenesin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Lower the head of the client's bed.
Check the client for urinary retention
Offer the client a carbohydrate snack.
Test the client's deep-tendon reflexes.
The Correct Answer is C
A. Lower the head of the client's bed. There is no need to lower the client’s head of the bed in response to receiving glipizide instead of guaifenesin. Glipizide is an oral antidiabetic medication used to lower blood glucose, while guaifenesin is an expectorant for respiratory conditions. Lowering the head of the bed does not address the potential effects of receiving the wrong medication.
B. Check the client for urinary retention. Glipizide does not cause urinary retention. Instead, it stimulates insulin release to lower blood sugar. If hypoglycemia occurs due to an unintentional dose of glipizide, symptoms such as sweating, dizziness, confusion, or tremors are more concerning than bladder dysfunction.
C. Offer the client a carbohydrate snack. Since glipizide lowers blood glucose levels, administering it instead of guaifenesin could result in hypoglycemia, particularly in a client who does not have diabetes. The nurse should monitor for signs of low blood sugar, such as shakiness, confusion, diaphoresis, and dizziness, and provide a fast-acting carbohydrate (e.g., juice, crackers, or glucose tablets) if symptoms develop.
D. Test the client’s deep-tendon reflexes. Glipizide does not affect neuromuscular function or deep-tendon reflexes. While severe hypoglycemia can cause altered mental status or seizures, routine reflex testing is not necessary for monitoring the effects of an incorrect glipizide administration.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Restart the infusion in the other extremity. While the IV infusion will need to be restarted in a new site, the priority after discontinuing the infusion is to manage the complications of IV infiltration. Restarting the infusion should be done after addressing the swelling and discomfort in the affected limb.
B. Elevate the extremity. Elevating the extremity reduces swelling and promotes fluid reabsorption following an IV infiltration. This helps minimize pain, tissue damage, and further complications, such as compartment syndrome. It is the next priority action after stopping the infusion.
C. Remove the catheter. The catheter should already be removed when the infusion is discontinued due to suspected infiltration. Keeping it in place could worsen tissue swelling and damage. If the catheter has not been removed yet, doing so is essential, but managing swelling and discomfort remains the priority after removal.
D. Apply warm, moist compresses to the site. Warm compresses are typically used for extravasation of non-vesicant solutions to promote circulation and absorption. However, in cases of severe infiltration or swelling, cold compresses may be used initially to reduce inflammation before applying warmth. The priority action is elevation, followed by applying appropriate compresses based on facility protocol.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Cover the administration area with plastic wrap. After applying nitroglycerin ointment, the area should be covered with plastic wrap or a transparent dressing to prevent evaporation and ensure proper absorption through the skin. This also helps prevent the medication from accidentally transferring to another person or clothing.
B. Massage the ointment into the skin. Nitroglycerin ointment should not be massaged into the skin, as this can cause rapid absorption and lead to hypotension and dizziness due to vasodilation. Instead, it should be applied as a thin, even layer and covered with a dressing.
C. Spread the ointment in a 10 cm² (4 in²) area. The correct application method involves measuring the exact prescribed amount (e.g., using the applicator paper) and applying it in a thin layer. The area of application may vary based on the dosage, but the focus should be on accurate measurement, not a specific area size.
D. Apply the ointment in a thick layer. A thick application is unnecessary and could increase absorption too quickly, leading to side effects such as headache, dizziness, and hypotension. Instead, a measured dose should be spread thinly and evenly onto clean, dry skin.
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