A nurse is teaching a client who has a new prescription for lovastatin. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse instruct the client to complete before starting the medication?
Potassium level.
Hemoglobin level.
Kidney function tests.
Liver function tests.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
(Potassium level) Lovastatin is a medication used to treat high cholesterol levels. While potassium levels are important to monitor for certain conditions, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice B rationale:
(Hemoglobin level) Hemoglobin levels are important to assess for anemia or other blood disorders. However, they are not specifically required before starting lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice C rationale:
(Kidney function tests) While kidney function tests are essential for many medications to ensure proper excretion and avoid toxicity, they are not directly related to the initiation of lovastatin therapy. Therefore, this is not the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Choice D rationale:
(Liver function tests) Liver function tests are crucial before starting lovastatin therapy. Lovastatin is metabolized in the liver, and it can potentially cause liver damage or abnormalities in liver enzymes. Monitoring liver function helps detect any pre-existing liver conditions and ensures the safe use of the medication. Therefore, this is the correct choice for diagnostic testing before starting the medication.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The combination of widened QRS, frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs), and bradycardia (heart rate of 55/min) on telemetry monitoring suggests hyperkalemia. Elevated potassium levels in the blood can cause delayed repolarization of cardiac cells, leading to widened QRS complexes and PVCs. Bradycardia is another common manifestation of hyperkalemia.
Choice B rationale:
Hypocalcemia, characterized by low calcium levels in the blood, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, but it typically presents with a prolonged QT interval rather than widened QRS complexes and PVCs.
Choice C rationale:
Hyperglycemia, which is high blood glucose levels, does not directly affect the electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters like QRS width or heart rate. It may have systemic effects, but it is not responsible for the ECG changes described in the scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Hypophosphatemia, or low levels of phosphate in the blood, can cause muscle weakness and may have systemic effects, but it is not associated with the specific ECG changes seen in hyperkalemia, such as widened QRS complexes and PVCs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Answer: C. "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."
Rationale:
A) "Administer this medication into your leg muscle."
Enoxaparin should be administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdominal area, not into a muscle. Injecting it intramuscularly can lead to unpredictable absorption and increase the risk of bleeding.
B) "Expel the excess air in the syringe before you administer the medication."
This statement is incorrect. For enoxaparin, it is recommended to retain the air bubble in the syringe. The air bubble helps ensure the entire dose is delivered and minimizes leakage at the injection site.
C) "Insert the entire needle into your skin to administer medication completely."
This is an appropriate instruction as it emphasizes the need to fully insert the needle for effective subcutaneous delivery of enoxaparin. Proper technique is essential to ensure the medication is administered as intended.
D) "Take ibuprofen for fever following administration of this medication."
This recommendation is not advisable because ibuprofen, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), can increase the risk of bleeding, especially when taken concurrently with enoxaparin. The client should consult their healthcare provider for safe alternatives for managing fever or pain.
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