A nurse is preparing to administer methotrexate to a client who is experiencing an ectopic pregnancy.
Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
Inform the client to expect to have dark-colored stools.
Wear two pairs of gloves when handling the medication.
Administer the medication subcutaneously.
Instruct the client to use a condom during intercourse for the next 7 days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Informing the client to expect dark-colored stools is inaccurate for methotrexate administration. Dark stools typically indicate gastrointestinal bleeding, not a side effect of methotrexate.
Choice B rationale
Wearing two pairs of gloves is necessary when handling methotrexate as it is a cytotoxic drug. This protects healthcare workers from accidental exposure to the medication, which can be harmful.
Choice C rationale
Methotrexate is typically administered intramuscularly or orally, not subcutaneously. Administering it subcutaneously is incorrect and would not be effective for treating an ectopic pregnancy.
Choice D rationale
While it is essential to counsel the client on safe intercourse practices, instructing to use a condom for only 7 days post-administration is not specific or relevant to the methotrexate therapy for ectopic pregnancy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevated BUN levels (25 mg/dL) can indicate kidney dysfunction, dehydration, or high protein intake. However, it’s not directly related to a prenatal complication, though it still requires monitoring.
Choice B rationale
Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 10.2 mg/dL is below the normal range (11 to 16 mg/dL) and can indicate anemia. During pregnancy, anemia can lead to serious complications such as preterm birth and low birth weight, making this result significant.
Choice C rationale
A fasting blood glucose level of 70 mg/dL falls within the normal range (70 to 110 mg/dL) and does not indicate a complication. Thus, it is not concerning in the context of prenatal complications.
Choice D rationale
Hematocrit (Hct) of 32% is slightly below the normal range (33 to 47%), which can be common in pregnancy due to increased plasma volume. While monitoring is required, it’s not as critical as anemia.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
A respiratory rate of 34/min is within the normal range for a newborn, which is typically between 30 to 60 breaths per minute. This does not indicate immediate distress.
Choice B rationale
Acrocyanosis, or bluish discoloration of the hands and feet, is common in newborns and usually resolves within the first few days of life. It is not a sign of critical illness.
Choice C rationale
Caput succedaneum, a swelling of the soft tissues of the newborn's scalp, is a common and benign condition that resolves on its own within a few days. It does not require immediate medical attention.
Choice D rationale
An axillary temperature of 36°C (96.8°F) is considered low and may indicate hypothermia in a newborn. Hypothermia can lead to serious complications, so this newborn requires immediate assessment and intervention to stabilize their body temperature.
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