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
The nurse should report a creatinine level of 2 mg/dl to the provider as a potential adverse effect of captopril. Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor commonly used to treat congestive heart failure and hypertension. One of the side effects of ACE inhibitors, including captopril, is the potential to cause kidney problems, leading to an increase in serum creatinine levels.
An increase in serum creatinine may indicate impaired kidney function, and it is essential to monitor kidney function regularly in clients taking ACE inhibitors. Elevated creatinine levels can suggest reduced glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and impaired kidney function, which may require adjustments in medication dosage or further evaluation and management.
Let's go through the other options:
A. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) 4.000/ mm^3: An absolute neutrophil count of 4.000/ mm^3 is within the normal range, so it is not an adverse effect of captopril that requires immediate reporting.
B. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) 90 ng/L: A brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level of 90 ng/L is used to assess heart failure severity. While BNP levels can be helpful in managing congestive heart failure, a BNP level of 90 ng/L is not an adverse effect of captopril that requires immediate reporting.
C. Sodium 140 mEq/l: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range, so it is not an adverse effect of captopril that requires immediate reporting.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Furosemide, a loop diuretic, is known to cause orthostatic hypotension as an adverse effect. It works by increasing urine output and reducing fluid volume, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure when standing up, causing dizziness or lightheadedness.
Dabigatran (A) is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots and does not typically cause orthostatic hypotension as a side effect.
Levothyroxine (B) is a thyroid hormone replacement medication used to treat hypothyroidism. It does not usually cause orthostatic hypotension.
Isoproterenol (C) is a non-selective beta-adrenergic agonist that is primarily used for cardiac stimulation. It can cause tachycardia and palpitations, but orthostatic hypotension is not a common side effect.
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