During a home visit, a client informs the nurse about feeling like the heart is skipping beats. When reviewing the client's record, the nurse notes that the client is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Based on these assessment data, the nurse plans to obtain a blood sample to check for which condition?

Hypokalemia.

Hyponatremia

Hyperphosphatemia.

Hypermagnesemia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. Hypokalemia: Hydrochlorothiazide is a thiazide diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine production. A common side effect of thiazide diuretics is hypokalemia, which can lead to symptoms such as palpitations or the sensation of the heart skipping beats. Therefore, it is crucial to check the client’s potassium levels to determine if hypokalemia is contributing to the client's symptoms.
B. Hyponatremia: While thiazide diuretics can affect sodium levels, hypokalemia is more directly associated with the symptoms described. Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) might also occur but is less commonly linked to the symptom of a skipped heartbeat compared to hypokalemia.
C. Hyperphosphatemia: Hydrochlorothiazide is not known to cause significant changes in phosphate levels, and hyperphosphatemia is not typically associated with the sensation of skipped heartbeats.
D. Hypermagnesemia: This condition, which involves elevated magnesium levels, is not a common side effect of hydrochlorothiazide. Hypokalemia is a more relevant concern for the symptoms described.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Restlessness: Restlessness is a sign of excessive levothyroxine sodium, which can lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Other signs include palpitations, nervousness, and insomnia. Overmedication can accelerate metabolism and cause these symptoms.
B. Decreased appetite: Decreased appetite is not typically associated with overmedication of levothyroxine. Instead, a decreased appetite might be related to other conditions or medications but is not a primary indicator of excessive thyroid hormone.
C. Intolerance to cold: Intolerance to cold is more indicative of hypothyroidism or insufficient dosing of levothyroxine rather than overmedication. Excessive levothyroxine usually causes symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as heat intolerance.
D. Constipation: Constipation is more commonly associated with hypothyroidism or insufficient levothyroxine dosing. Overmedication generally leads to symptoms like diarrhea rather than constipation.

A. Ensure that the client eats breakfast. B. Provide a mid-afternoon snack for the client. C. Assess the client for hypoglycemia around 1500. D. Perform a glucometer reading at 1000.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Ensure that the client eats breakfast: Regular insulin is a fast-acting insulin that typically begins to work within 30 minutes to an hour after administration, peaks around 2-3 hours, and can last for up to 6 hours. Therefore, it is crucial that the client eats a meal, such as breakfast, shortly after the insulin is administered to prevent hypoglycemia.
B. Provide a mid-afternoon snack for the client: While snacks may be necessary depending on the client's overall meal and insulin schedule, it is more critical to ensure the client eats the meal immediately following insulin administration to manage blood glucose levels.
C. Assess the client for hypoglycemia around 1500: While monitoring for hypoglycemia is important, it is more critical to ensure the client eats their meal soon after insulin administration to prevent hypoglycemia in the first place.
D. Perform a glucometer reading at 1000: A glucometer reading at 1000 might be useful for monitoring blood glucose levels but ensuring that the client eats a meal promptly is a more immediate and critical action following insulin administration.

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During a home visit, a client informs the nurse about feeling like the heart is skipping beats. When reviewing the client's record, the nurse notes that the client is taking hydrochlorothiazide. Based on these assessment data, the nurse plans to obtain a blood sample to check for which condition?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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