An older female client comes to the clinic for a regular check-up. The client tells the nurse that she has increased her daily doses of acetaminophen for the past month to control joint pain. Based on this patient's comment, which previous laboratory results should the nurse compare with today's laboratory report?
Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise
Expect to find an increase in today's activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) as compared to last quarter's due to bleeding.
Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit, expecting an increase today due to dehydration.
Look for an increase in today's lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Determine if there is a decrease in serum potassium due to renal compromise: Acetaminophen is not commonly associated with significant renal impairment or changes in serum potassium levels, making this a less relevant consideration.
B. Expect to find an increase in today's activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) as compared to last quarter's due to bleeding: Acetaminophen does not significantly affect APTT or bleeding risk, so changes in APTT would not be expected due to acetaminophen use.
C. Look at last quarter's hemoglobin and hematocrit, expecting an increase today due to dehydration: Acetaminophen is not known to cause changes in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels or dehydration-related increases in these values.
D. Look for an increase in today's lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) compared to the previous one to assess for possible liver damage: Acetaminophen overdose or chronic high use can lead to liver damage, which would be indicated by elevated LDH levels. Monitoring LDH is appropriate to assess for potential liver damage related to acetaminophen use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Takes metformin hydrochloride for type 2 diabetes mellitus: Metformin can interact with the contrast dye used in CT scans, particularly in patients with impaired renal function. The contrast dye can affect kidney function, potentially leading to lactic acidosis in patients taking metformin. It is important to follow up on this history and possibly temporarily discontinue metformin and monitor kidney function before and after the procedure.
B) Metal hip prosthesis was placed twenty years ago: A metal hip prosthesis does not typically affect the CT scan with contrast, though it may affect the imaging technique or quality. This history usually does not require follow-up related to the contrast use.
C) Report of client's sobriety for the last five years: Sobriety does not directly impact the use of contrast dye in a CT scan. This information is relevant for overall health but not specifically for the use of contrast.
D) CT scan that was performed six months earlier: The timing of a previous CT scan is not a contraindication for a new scan with contrast. Follow-up on the history of a prior scan may be relevant for comparison but does not specifically impact the use of contrast dye.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Avoid the intake of dairy products while using the medication: There is no specific requirement to avoid dairy products when using bulk-forming laxatives. The primary concern with bulk-forming laxatives is to ensure they are taken with adequate fluids.
B) Take the medication one hour after meals and other medications: Bulk-forming laxatives should be taken with a meal or at a different time from other medications to prevent interactions, but the key aspect is to follow the medication with sufficient fluids rather than timing relative to meals.
C) Remain upright for thirty minutes following drug administration: While remaining upright can help prevent potential esophageal irritation, it is not the primary instruction for bulk-forming laxatives. The more critical instruction is related to fluid intake to ensure effectiveness and prevent complications.
D) Follow medication administration with an additional glass of water: Bulk-forming laxatives require adequate fluid intake to function properly. Following the medication with an additional glass of water helps the laxative form a gel-like substance in the intestines, which aids in bowel movement and prevents potential complications like obstruction.
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