A nurse is reviewing the laboratory data of a client who is receiving filgrastim. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment?
INR
BUN
WBC count
Potassium level
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason:
INR (International Normalized Ratio) is incorrect. INR is a measurement used to monitor the effects of anticoagulants like warfarin. It assesses the blood's ability to clot. Filgrastim does not directly affect INR levels, so monitoring INR would not provide information about the effectiveness of filgrastim in stimulating white blood cell production.
Choice B Reason:
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen) is incorrect. BUN levels primarily indicate kidney function and hydration status. They are not directly influenced by filgrastim treatment. Monitoring BUN is essential for assessing kidney function but does not reflect the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy in increasing white blood cell counts.
Choice C Reason:
WBC count is correct. Filgrastim is a medication that stimulates the production of white blood cells (WBCs), particularly neutrophils. Therefore, the key laboratory value to monitor for assessing the effectiveness of filgrastim therapy is the WBC count. An increase in the WBC count, particularly in the neutrophil count, signifies the intended therapeutic effect of filgrastim in boosting the immune system's response by increasing the production of these infection-fighting cells.
Choice D Reason:
Potassium level is incorrect. Potassium levels are crucial for heart and muscle function. While certain medications might affect potassium levels, filgrastim's primary action is on stimulating white blood cell production and does not directly impact potassium levels. Monitoring potassium levels is essential for overall health but does not specifically indicate the effectiveness of filgrastim treatment.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Apply the patch to a hairless area of the skin is correct. Nitroglycerin patches should be applied to a clean, hairless area of the skin to ensure proper absorption of the medication. Hair can interfere with the patch's adherence and the absorption of nitroglycerin into the bloodstream. The site chosen should be rotated to prevent skin irritation or tolerance development. Commonly used areas include the chest, upper arms, or torso, but it's important to follow specific instructions provided by the healthcare provider.
Choice B Reason:
Apply a 4x4 dressing over the patch is incorrect. Covering the nitroglycerin patch with a dressing may interfere with its absorption and effectiveness. These patches are designed to be applied directly to the skin without covering.
Choice C Reason:
Apply the patch to the same site every 24 hr is incorrect. Repeatedly applying the patch to the same site increases the risk of skin irritation or tolerance to the medication. It's crucial to rotate patch sites to avoid these issues.
Choice D Reason:
Apply the patch to a bony prominence on the chest is incorrect. Nitroglycerin patches should not be placed on bony prominences because these areas can be uncomfortable and may not provide optimal absorption. Instead, they are typically applied to relatively flat, hairless areas of the skin.
Correct Answer is ["A","C"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Absence of deep-tendon reflexes is correct. The absence or decrease in deep-tendon reflexes can be a sign of magnesium toxicity. Magnesium sulfate, when given in excessive amounts or in the case of accumulation due to impaired renal function, can lead to muscle weakness, hyporeflexia, and in severe cases, loss of deep-tendon reflexes. Discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is warranted in severe cases of magnesium toxicity to counteract its effects.
Choice B Reason:
Report of chills is incorrect. Chills are non-specific symptoms and are not typically associated specifically with magnesium toxicity. They are less indicative of a need for calcium gluconate administration in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion.
Choice C Reason:
Decreased level of consciousness is correct. Severe magnesium toxicity can affect the central nervous system, leading to symptoms like confusion, drowsiness, and eventually decreased level of consciousness. In these cases, discontinuation of magnesium sulfate and administration of calcium gluconate is crucial to counteract the effects of excessive magnesium.
Choice D Reason:
Systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg is incorrect. A systolic blood pressure of 130 mm Hg, by itself, is not an indicator of magnesium toxicity that necessitates the administration of calcium gluconate. Blood pressure within this range is not typically a cause for concern related to magnesium sulfate administration.
Choice EReason:
Urine output of 80 mL in 4 hours is incorrect. While decreased urine output might indicate potential renal issues or compromised kidney function, it's not a specific indication for the administration of calcium gluconate in the context of magnesium sulfate infusion. It can signal the need for further assessment but is not a direct sign of magnesium toxicity requiring calcium gluconate administration.
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