A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a new prescription for verapamil. Which of the following findings in the client's medical record should the nurse identify as a contraindication for the administration of verapamil?
History of asthma
History of heart failure
Systolic BP 110 mm Hg
Blood creatinine 1.0 mg/dl
The Correct Answer is B
A. History of asthma: Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker and does not affect the airways or cause bronchospasm, unlike beta-blockers, which can exacerbate asthma.
B. History of heart failure: Verapamil has negative inotropic effects, meaning it decreases the strength of heart contractions. This can exacerbate heart failure, particularly in clients with reduced ejection fraction (systolic heart failure). It is generally contraindicated in clients with severe heart failure as it can worsen symptoms.
C. Systolic BP 110 mm Hg: While verapamil can cause a drop in blood pressure due to its vasodilatory effects, a systolic blood pressure of 110 mm Hg is not an absolute contraindication.
D. A blood creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL is within the normal range (approximately 0.6–1.2 mg/dL for adults). Verapamil is not contraindicated in clients with normal renal function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should monitor the client receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone for the development of osteoporosis. Prednisone is a corticosteroid medication that can lead to decreased bone density and increase the risk of fractures. Prolonged use of prednisone can interfere with calcium absorption and increase bone resorption, leading to osteoporosis.
Hypoglycemia (A) is not a common adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone can cause hyperglycemia and increase the risk of developing diabetes.
Hyperreflexia (B) is not typically associated with prednisone use. Hyperreflexia is an exaggerated reflex response and is not a common adverse effect of corticosteroid therapy.
Inflammatory bowel disease (D) is not an adverse effect of prednisone. In fact, prednisone is often used as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease to reduce inflammation and symptoms.
Therefore, the nurse should primarily monitor the client for the development of osteoporosis when receiving long-term treatment with oral doses of prednisone.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The nurse should include in the teaching that hydrochlorothiazide therapy can elevate blood glucose levels in clients who have diabetes. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic commonly used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure). While it is effective in reducing blood pressure, it can sometimes cause adverse effects on blood glucose levels, particularly in individuals with diabetes mellitus.
Hydrochlorothiazide can cause an increase in blood glucose levels by reducing insulin sensitivity, leading to potential hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) in some individuals. Clients with diabetes should closely monitor their blood glucose levels while taking hydrochlorothiazide and inform their healthcare provider if they notice significant changes.
Let's go through the other options:
A. "Blood glucose monitoring is likely to be inaccurate while taking hydrochlorothiazide": This statement is not accurate. Hydrochlorothiazide does not directly affect the accuracy of blood glucose monitoring. However, it is essential for clients with diabetes to be aware of the potential impact of hydrochlorothiazide on their blood glucose levels.
B. "You might need to decrease your insulin dosage while taking hydrochlorothiazide": Hydrochlorothiazide can potentially elevate blood glucose levels, which may require adjustments in diabetes management, including insulin dosage. However, it is not accurate to state that all clients will need to decrease their insulin dosage while taking hydrochlorothiazide. Each client's response to the medication may vary, and adjustments to diabetes medications should be made under the guidance of their healthcare provider based on individual blood glucose monitoring.
D. "Reducing sodium in your diet can help control your blood glucose while taking hydrochlorothiazide": While reducing sodium in the diet is generally a beneficial recommendation for individuals with hypertension, it is not directly related to controlling blood glucose levels in clients with diabetes. The primary focus for individuals with diabetes taking hydrochlorothiazide should be on monitoring blood glucose levels and working with their healthcare provider to manage any changes related to the medication.
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