An older adult client with pernicious anemia has been receiving daily injections of cyanocobalamin for two weeks and reports that the injections are painful. The nurse notes that the client's hematocrit is 43% (0.43 volume fraction). Which action should the nurse implement?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit (Hct) [37% to 47% (0.37 to 0.47 volume fraction)]

Instruct the client that since the hematocrit remains low, the daily injections are still necessary.

Notify the healthcare provider of the patient's hematocrit level so the frequency of injections can be reduced.

Advise the client that the medication is having the desired effect, but daily injections will continue to be needed for life for this chronic condition.

Offer to instruct the client in self-administration techniques to improve the client's sense of control over the painful daily injections.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Instruct the client that since the hematocrit remains low, the daily injections are still necessary: A hematocrit of 43% is within the normal range, suggesting the client’s anemia is improving. If the hematocrit were still low, continuing daily injections would be appropriate, but this is not the case here.

B. Notify the healthcare provider of the client’s hematocrit level so the frequency of injections can be reduced: Since the hematocrit is normal, there is no need to notify the healthcare provider specifically for changing the injection frequency based solely on the hematocrit level. Reducing injection frequency should be based on the overall treatment plan and not just the current hematocrit.
C. Advise the client that the medication is having the desired effect, but daily injections will continue to be needed for life for this chronic condition: While the medication may be effective, informing the client about the potential for less frequent injections could improve adherence and reduce discomfort, if the healthcare provider approves.
D. Offer to instruct the client in self-administration techniques to improve the client's sense of control over the painful daily injections: Teaching self-administration can empower the client and potentially reduce discomfort by allowing the client to become more comfortable with the process. It also offers the opportunity for the client to manage their injections more conveniently and with greater control.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Administer the medication: Acarbose is an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor that should be taken with the first bite of a meal to effectively manage postprandial blood glucose levels. Administering it before the meal is inappropriate as it can lead to inadequate glucose control.
B. Notify the healthcare provider: While notifying the healthcare provider might be necessary if there are significant issues, it is not the immediate action needed in this situation. The priority is to manage the timing of the medication relative to the meal.
C. Hold the medication until the meal trays arrive: Acarbose should be taken with food to work effectively in controlling blood glucose levels after meals. If the meal is delayed, the medication should be held until the meal is ready to ensure proper administration.
D. Obtain another finger stick blood glucose level: Rechecking the blood glucose level does not address the issue of the timing of the acarbose administration. The focus should be on ensuring the medication is taken with the meal.

A. 40-year-old female with frequent vaginal infections. B. A 50-year-old male with a history of angina. C. An 18-year-old pregnant female with type 1 diabetes mellitus. D. A 75-year-old male with bone cancer.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Simvastatin is a medication used to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks. It is most commonly prescribed to individuals with a history of heart disease, high cholesterol, or related conditions like angina. The other options are less likely to benefit from simvastatin based on the information provided.

View Question and Answer

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

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is preparing client teaching materials on commonly used medications. Which client is most likely to benefit from a client education packet about simvastatin?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Levothyroxine sodium is prescribed for a client with hypothyroidism. The nurse should instruct the client to report which symptom because it indicates that the client is taking too much levothyroxine sodium.

A client is receiving morphine sulfate via a patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump postoperatively. Which assessment finding should prompt the nurse to administer a prescribed PRN dose of naloxone?

The nurse is caring for a client receiving regular insulin prescribed per a sliding scale. If a dose of regular insulin is administered at 0730, which additional nursing action is indicated for this client?

Which instruction should the nurse include when teaching a client about self-administration of a bulk-forming laxative?

Digoxin and furosemide were prescribed for a client with chronic heart failure, and the home health nurse is evaluating the client's self-care knowledge of these drugs. Which statement indicates that the client has a good understanding about the use of these drugs?

The healthcare provider prescribes the antibiotic tetracycline HCl for an adult client that arrived at an outpatient clinic. Which instruction should the nurse Include in the teaching plan for this client?

A client diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is given a new prescription for tiotropium via an inhalation device. Which statement indicates that the client understands the Instructions for using this medication?

A male client reports to the nurse that he is experiencing gastrointestinal (GI) distress from a high dose of a corticosteroid and is planning to stop taking the medication. In response to the client's statement, which nursing action is most important for the nurse to Implement?