An older adult client with restless legs syndrome begins taking melatonin at bedtime. When evaluating the effectiveness of the herb which client assessment should the nurse complete?
Assess anxiety level.
Observe for peripheral edema.
Determine sleep patterns.
Palpate pedal pulse volume.
The Correct Answer is C
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can be used as a sleep aid. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin in an older adult client with restless legs syndrome, the nurse should assess the client's sleep patterns to determine if the herb is improving their ability to fall and stay asleep.
Assessing anxiety level (a) may be useful in other contexts, but it is not directly relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin for restless legs syndrome. Observing for peripheral edema (b) and palpating pedal pulse volume (d) are important assessments in clients with peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, but they are not directly related to restless legs syndrome or the use of melatonin.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. The client’s symptoms of pallor and fatigue may indicate anemia due to blood loss. Reviewing the client’s hemoglobin level would help the nurse determine if the client is experiencing anemia and if further evaluation and intervention are needed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the actions of aldosterone, a hormone that can lead to potassium loss in the urine. However, in some cases, spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), which can be dangerous for patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is important to instruct the patient to limit their intake of high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and salt substitutes containing potassium.
Option a (Replace salt with a salt substitute) is incorrect because salt substitutes often contain potassium, which can further increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Option c (Cover your skin before going outside) is unrelated to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia.
Option d (Monitor skin for excessive bruising) is not directly related to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia, although it is a potential side effect of other medications used to treat heart failure.
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