A nurse is reviewing the admission laboratory values for a client who has a history of bulimia nervosa. Which of the following findings is the nurse's priority?
Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Serum chloride 96 mEq/L
Hgb 11g/dL
Serum amylase 240 units/L
The Correct Answer is A
A. Potassium 2.8 mEq/L
Hypokalemia (low potassium) is a critical finding and a priority in individuals with a history of bulimia nervosa, as it can lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Frequent vomiting and laxative use, common behaviors in bulimia nervosa, can result in significant potassium loss. A potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range and requires immediate attention.
B. Serum chloride 96 mEq/L: While this value is within the normal range, it should be monitored. However, it is not as critical as addressing severe hypokalemia.
C. Hemoglobin (Hgb) 11 g/dL: This hemoglobin level is within the normal range and does not require immediate attention. It may be influenced by factors other than bulimia nervosa, and addressing hypokalemia is more urgent.
D. Serum amylase 240 units/L: Elevated amylase levels may indicate pancreatic inflammation, which could be related to bulimia nervosa, but it is not as urgent as addressing severe hypokalemia. The priority is managing the life-threatening electrolyte imbalance first.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "A single dose of diazepam is unlikely to cause side effects" is not accurate. Diazepam, like any medication, can have side effects even with a single dose. Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and muscle weakness.
B. "Grapefruit juice inactivates this medication" is not specifically true for diazepam. However, grapefruit juice can interact with certain medications by inhibiting their metabolism in the liver, leading to increased levels of the drug in the bloodstream. It's essential to check for specific drug interactions, but this statement is not a key consideration for diazepam.
C. "Diazepam can cause drowsiness" is an important piece of information to include because diazepam is a benzodiazepine medication that can have sedative effects. Alerting the client to the potential for drowsiness is crucial to prevent any safety issues, such as falls or accidents.
D. "Avoid foods that contain tyramine" is not relevant to diazepam. Tyramine is associated with certain foods and can be a concern with medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Diazepam is not an MAOI, so this advice does not apply to its use.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "I should sit on the side of the bed before standing up in the morning."
Amitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant that can cause orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, clients taking amitriptyline should be advised to sit on the side of the bed for a few moments before standing up, especially in the morning when orthostatic changes may be more pronounced.
B. "I may experience an increased libido." This statement is not related to the common side effects of amitriptyline. Changes in libido are not typically associated with this medication.
C. "I will avoid drinking caffeinated beverages." While it's generally a good idea to limit caffeine intake, this statement is not a specific instruction related to amitriptyline. However, reducing caffeine consumption can be beneficial because amitriptyline may enhance the stimulant effects of caffeine.
D. "I can no longer eat pepperoni pizza." This statement is not directly related to amitriptyline. There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with amitriptyline use, and the client can continue to eat pepperoni pizza unless there are individual dietary concerns or interactions with other medications.
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