A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has chronic rheumatoid arthritis and a new prescription for hydroxychloroquine. The nurse should instruct the client to obtain which of the following diagnostic studies routinely?
Eye examination
Chest -ray
Pancreatic enzyme levels
Urinalysis screening
The Correct Answer is A
When providing teaching to a client with chronic rheumatoid arthritis who is starting a new prescription for hydroxychloroquine, the nurse should instruct the client to obtain routine eye examinations. Hydroxychloroquine is an antimalarial and immunosuppressive medication commonly used to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
One of the potential side effects of hydroxychloroquine is ocular toxicity, particularly affecting the retina. Retinal toxicity can lead to vision changes or, in severe cases, irreversible damage to the eyes. Therefore, regular eye examinations are necessary to monitor for any signs of retinal toxicity and detect any visual changes early to prevent further complications.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that patients taking hydroxychloroquine undergo a baseline eye examination before starting the medication and annual eye examinations thereafter, especially after five years of continuous use.
Let's go through the other options:
B. Chest x-ray: A chest x-ray is not routinely required for monitoring clients taking hydroxychloroquine for rheumatoid arthritis. Hydroxychloroquine is not known to cause significant respiratory or pulmonary side effects.
C. Pancreatic enzyme levels: Monitoring pancreatic enzyme levels is not specifically related to hydroxychloroquine therapy. Pancreatic enzyme level testing is typically used to assess the function of the pancreas in conditions like pancreatitis or pancreatic insufficiency.
D. Urinalysis screening: While regular monitoring of kidney function is important for clients on long-term medication therapy, routine urinalysis screening is not specifically related to hydroxychloroquine use in clients with rheumatoid arthritis. Regular eye examinations are of higher priority due to the potential ocular toxicity associated with this medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Intake and output: Monitoring intake and output is essential in the postoperative care of a client to assess fluid balance and kidney function. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of isoflurane, which is hypotension. Hypotension can have immediate and significant implications for the client's perfusion and overall well-being, requiring prompt attention and intervention.
B. Non-verbal pain cues: Assessing for pain is important in the postoperative period to ensure adequate pain management and comfort for the client. However, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment at this time is related to the potential cardiovascular impact of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Addressing hypotension takes precedence over pain assessment as it poses a more immediate threat to the client's well-being.
C. Bowel sounds: Assessing bowel sounds is part of a comprehensive postoperative assessment to monitor the return of bowel function after surgery. While it is important, it is not the priority assessment when the client has received isoflurane in the PACU. The priority assessment in this situation is related to the potential cardiovascular side effect of the anesthesia, which is blood pressure. Monitoring and managing hypotension is of greater concern in the immediate postoperative period.
D. Blood pressure: This is the correct answer. The priority assessment for a client who received isoflurane in the PACU is the blood pressure. Isoflurane is an inhalation anesthetic that can cause hypotension (low blood pressure). Monitoring the client's blood pressure is crucial to promptly identify and address any hypotension, as it can lead to inadequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation. Addressing blood pressure deviations is essential for the client's cardiovascular stability and overall recovery in the PACU.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
TPN is a form of nutrition given intravenously to provide essential nutrients when a client is unable to consume an adequate oral diet. One of the potential adverse effects of TPN is fluid overload, which can manifest as peripheral edema. The presence of 2+ peripheral pitting edema indicates the accumulation of excess fluid in the tissues. It is important for the nurse to monitor the client's fluid balance closely and assess for signs of fluid overload, such as edema, to prevent complications.
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