A nurse is reviewing the prescriptions for a client who is pregnant and is taking digoxin. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to best evaluate the client's medication adherence?
Ask the client if they are taking the medication as prescribed.
Determine the client's apical pulse rate.
Check the client's serum medication level.
Assess the client's kidney function.
The Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Self-reporting can be unreliable because clients may unintentionally misreport or overestimate their adherence.
Choice B Reason:
Determining the client's apical pulse rate is incorrect .While monitoring the client's apical pulse rate is important for assessing the effects of digoxin therapy, it is not a direct measure of medication adherence. Changes in the pulse rate may indicate the effectiveness or toxicity of digoxin but do not provide information about whether the client is taking the medication as prescribed.
Choice C Reason:
Measuring the serum digoxin level provides the most accurate and objective method to evaluate adherence, therapeutic effectiveness, and risk of toxicity.
Choice D Reason:
Assessing the client's kidney function is important for determining the appropriate dosing of digoxin and monitoring for potential adverse effects, as digoxin is primarily eliminated by the kidneys. However, kidney function assessment does not directly evaluate medication adherence.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Ibuprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) commonly used for postpartum pain management following a vaginal birth. It is effective in reducing pain and inflammation, and it is considered safe for use during breastfeeding. Ibuprofen can help relieve mild to moderate postpartum discomfort, such as perineal pain or uterine cramping.
Choice B Reason:
Aspirin is not recommended for postpartum pain management, especially in the immediate postpartum period, due to its anticoagulant effects. It can increase the risk of bleeding, which is already heightened after childbirth.
Choice C Reason:
Meperidine (also known as Demerol) is an opioid analgesic that may be used for postpartum pain management in some cases, particularly for severe pain. However, it is less commonly used compared to other opioids due to its shorter duration of action, potential for sedation, and risk of neonatal respiratory depression if used close to delivery.
Choice D Reason:
Fentanyl is a potent opioid analgesic often used for pain management during labor and delivery or for procedures such as cesarean sections. However, it is not typically used for routine postpartum pain management following a vaginal birth due to its potency and potential for respiratory depression in both the mother and the newborn.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Flank pain is correct. Pyelonephritis is a urinary tract infection (UTI) that involves the kidneys. Common manifestations of pyelonephritis include flank pain, which is usually unilateral and may be accompanied by fever, chills, and malaise. Flank pain is often described as a deep, dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain in the back or side of the affected kidney.
Choice B Reason:
A temperature of 37.7°C (99.8°F) may indicate a low-grade fever, which can be associated with pyelonephritis. However, fever alone is not specific to pyelonephritis and can occur with various infections or inflammatory conditions.
Choice C Reason:
Abdominal cramping is not a typical manifestation of pyelonephritis. While some individuals with pyelonephritis may experience nonspecific abdominal discomfort or pain, the hallmark symptom is flank pain, which is localized to the back or side overlying the affected kidney.
Choice D Reason:
Epigastric discomfort, or discomfort in the upper abdomen, is not a typical manifestation of pyelonephritis. Epigastric discomfort is more commonly associated with gastrointestinal issues such as gastritis, peptic ulcer disease, or gallbladder problems. In pyelonephritis, the pain is typically localized to the flank region.
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