A patient with cancer-related bone pain is receiving etidronate as an adjuvant analgesic. The nurse should monitor the patient for which of the following laboratory values?
Serum calcium
Serum potassium
Serum creatinine
Serum albumin
The Correct Answer is A
The correct answer is choice A. Serum calcium. Etidronate is a bisphosphonate that inhibits bone resorption and reduces the risk of skeletal complications in patients with cancer-related bone pain. However, it can also cause hypocalcemia (low serum calcium levels) as a side effect, which can lead to muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, seizures, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Therefore, the nurse should monitor the patient’s serum calcium levels regularly and supplement with calcium and vitamin D if needed.
Choice B. Serum potassium is wrong because etidronate does not affect potassium levels. Potassium is mainly regulated by the kidneys and can be altered by renal impairment, dehydration, acid-base imbalance, or medications such as diuretics or potassium-sparing agents.
Choice C. Serum creatinine is wrong because etidronate does not affect creatinine levels.
Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is excreted by the kidneys. It reflects the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and can be elevated in renal dysfunction or dehydration.
Choice D. Serum albumin is wrong because etidronate does not affect albumin levels.
Albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver and helps maintain fluid balance and transport substances in the blood. It can be decreased in liver disease, malnutrition, inflammation, or protein-losing conditions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is choice D. Serum bilirubin.The nurse should monitor the client’s serum bilirubin level closely because acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure in cases of overdose.
Serum bilirubin is a marker of liver function and damage.
A high level of serum bilirubin indicates jaundice, a sign of liver injury.
Choice A is wrong because serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function and damage.Acetaminophen has limited nephrotoxicity compared to NSAIDs.
Choice B is wrong because serum potassium is not directly affected by acetaminophen.
Serum potassium is an electrolyte that reflects fluid and acid-base balance in the body.
Choice C is wrong because serum albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver.
Although serum albumin may be low in chronic liver disease, it is not a sensitive indicator of acute liver injury caused by acetaminophen overdose.
Normal ranges for serum bilirubin are 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults and 1 to 12 mg/dL for newborns.
Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.
Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5 mEq/L for adults and children.
Normal ranges for serum albumin are 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL for adults and children.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. The client reports a pain level of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.This indicates that the PCA pump is effective in reducing the client’s pain, which is the primary symptom of sickle cell crisis.
Choice B is wrong because a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is normal and does not indicate the effectiveness of the PCA pump.
Choice C is wrong because a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg is high and may indicate hypertension, which is a complication of sickle cell disease.
Choice D is wrong because a pulse oximetry reading of 95% is normal and does not indicate the effectiveness of the PCA pump.
Normal ranges for vital signs are:
• Respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute
• Blood pressure: <120/80 mm Hg
• Pulse oximetry: >95%
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.