A nurse is reviewing the laboratory results of a client who is taking amitriptyline. Which of the following laboratory values should to the provider?
Potassium 4.2 mEq/L
Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL
WBC count 5.000/mm²
Hct 44
The Correct Answer is B
A. Potassium 4.2 mEq/L: While potassium levels should be monitored during amitriptyline therapy, the value of 4.2 mEq/L is within the normal range. There is no immediate concern based on this potassium level.
B. Total bilirubin 1.5 mg/dL
Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant, can sometimes cause hepatotoxicity, which may manifest as elevated liver enzymes or bilirubin levels. Therefore, any abnormality in liver function tests, such as total bilirubin, should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management.
C. WBC count 5,000/mm³: The white blood cell count is not a commonly monitored parameter for amitriptyline, and the value of 5,000/mm³ is within the normal range. There is no immediate concern based on this WBC count.
D. Hct 44: The hematocrit (Hct) level is related to the percentage of red blood cells in the blood. A value of 44% falls within the normal range for hematocrit. There’s no immediate concern related to amitriptyline use based on this result either.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A client received 0900 medications at 0930:
This situation involves a medication administration error where the medications were administered later than the scheduled time. An incident report should be completed to document the error, investigate the circumstances, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
B. A client who has asthma was administered tiotropium via inhalation:
Tiotropium is an appropriate medication for asthma. As long as it was administered according to the prescribed guidelines, there is no need for an incident report.
C. A client received a blood transfusion with dextrose 5% in water:
This situation involves a significant medication error, as dextrose 5% in water is not the appropriate solution for a blood transfusion. An incident report should be completed to document the error, investigate the circumstances, and implement measures to prevent recurrence.
D. A client received an infusion of lipids through a central line:
If the infusion of lipids through a central line was ordered and administered appropriately, there is no need for an incident report. Lipid infusions are commonly administered through central lines when indicated.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Stroke volume: While stroke volume is an important parameter in assessing cardiac function, it may not directly guide the titration of nitroprusside infusion. Blood pressure is a more immediate indicator of the drug's effect on vasodilation.
B. Urine output: Nitroprusside primarily affects the vascular system and is not directly associated with urine output. Monitoring urine output is crucial in assessing renal function, but it is not the primary parameter for titrating a nitroprusside infusion.
C. Blood pressure (Correct Answer): Nitroprusside acts as a direct vasodilator, and its primary effect is on blood vessels, leading to a reduction in blood pressure. Therefore, monitoring blood pressure is essential to titrate the infusion to achieve the desired therapeutic effect.
D. Cardiac output: While nitroprusside's vasodilatory effect may influence cardiac output indirectly, blood pressure is a more immediate and specific parameter to guide the titration of the infusion. Nitroprusside is often titrated to reach a target blood pressure range in hypertensive emergencies.
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