A nurse is reviewing laboratory values for a client who is receiving long-term NSAID therapy for rheumatoid arthritis. Which of the following values should the nurse report to the provider?
Total bilirubin 0.8 mg/dL
BUN 40 mg/dL
PaO2 90 mm Hg
Hematocrit 45%
The Correct Answer is B
BUN 40 mg/dL. Elevated BUN levels can indicate impaired kidney function, which can be a potential adverse effect of long-term NSAID therapy.
Reasons why the other options are not answers:
Option A: Total bilirubin 0.8 mg/dL is a normal value and does not require reporting to the provider.
Option C: PaO2 90 mm Hg is within the normal range and does not require reporting to the provider.
Option D: Hematocrit 45% is within the normal range and does not require reporting to the provider.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Advise the client about increased dry mouth. Transdermal clonidine can cause xerostomia, or dry mouth, due to a decrease in salivary secretion. The nurse should advise the client to maintain good oral hygiene and to increase fluid intake to prevent oral and dental problems.
An explanation for incorrect choices:
A. Weight loss is not a common adverse effect or risk associated with transdermal clonidine.
C. Diarrhea can occur with transdermal clonidine, but it is not a common adverse effect or risk.
D. Hypopigmentation is rare with transdermal clonidine; it is more common with corticosteroids.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C: Blood pressure change from 118/78 mm Hg to 86/50 mm Hg.
Choice C rationale: A significant drop in blood pressure can indicate various serious conditions, such as shock, hemorrhage, or a severe infection. The nurse should assess the client further and intervene as necessary to prevent complications.
Choice A rationale: The change in temperature may indicate the onset of a fever and requires further assessment, but it is not as immediately concerning as the sudden drop in blood pressure.
Choice B rationale: The change in respiratory rate could be a result of factors like pain, anxiety, or exercise. While it warrants further assessment, it is not as critical as the blood pressure change.
Choice D rationale: The heart rate change may be a response to medications, rest, or other factors. It should be monitored and assessed, but the priority finding is the blood pressure change, which may indicate a more severe underlying issue.
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