A nurse is preparing to administer nitroglycerin topical ointment to a client. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?
Measure the dosage of medication using the applicator paper.
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin.
Cover the medication on the client's skin with a sterile gauze pad.
Apply the medication to the same site for three consecutive days.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A Reason:
Using the applicator paper is appropriate for measuring the dosage accurately, but simply measuring the dosage is not the only step; the medication needs to be spread over the specified area of the skin.
Choice B Reason:
Spread the medication over a 12.7 cm (5 in) area of the client's skin. Nitroglycerin ointment is typically measured using a specific paper or measuring tape provided with the medication to ensure accurate dosing. The ointment is spread thinly and evenly over a specific measured area of the skin, usually about 12.7 cm (5 inches) in length, to maintain consistent dosing.
Choice C Reason:
Covering the medication with a sterile gauze pad is not typically done with nitroglycerin ointment. The ointment is meant to be absorbed through the skin, and covering it may interfere with its absorption.
Choice D Reason:
Nitroglycerin ointment is often applied to different sites to prevent skin irritation and tolerance from developing at one site. It's usually rotated to different clean areas of the skin to prevent skin irritation and tolerance buildup. Applying it to the same site for three consecutive days is not standard practice.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Discard the medication if it is yellow is incorrect. While amphotericin B lipid complex can have a yellowish color, it's important to follow specific guidelines provided by the manufacturer or pharmacy regarding any discoloration or changes in the medication's appearance. Discoloration could indicate degradation or contamination, and it's crucial to adhere to specific institutional policies in such cases.
Choice B Reason:
Administer the medication over 2 hr is incorrect. Amphotericin B lipid complex is usually given over a longer duration (e.g., several hours) due to the potential for infusion-related reactions. Intermittent IV bolus administration over 2 hours might not be appropriate and can increase the risk of adverse reactions.
Choice C Reason:
Use a gravity flow set is incorrect. For medications like amphotericin B lipid complex, which often require precise infusion rates and careful monitoring, using an IV infusion pump is usually recommended instead of a gravity flow set. An infusion pump allows for more accurate control of the infusion rate and reduces the risk of errors.
Choice D Reason:
Prime the tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride is correct. Amphotericin B lipid complex should be administered according to specific instructions and precautions. Priming the IV tubing with 0.9% sodium chloride helps ensure that the medication is effectively delivered to the patient and that the medication is not affected by remnants of previous IV solutions in the tubing.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Sodium 141 mEq/L is incorrect. This value is within the normal range (usually around 135-145 mEq/L).
Choice B Reason:
Potassium 2.5 mEq/ is correct. Furosemide, a loop diuretic, can lead to potassium loss through increased urine output. If a client already has a low potassium level (hypokalemia), administering furosemide can further decrease potassium levels, potentially causing or worsening hypokalemia. Hypokalemia can lead to various complications, including cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count 8,000/mm3 is incorrect. This value falls within the normal range for white blood cell count.
Choice D Reason:
INR 1.0: An INR of 1.0 is within the normal range for a person not on anticoagulation therapy.
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