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 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. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) B. Prothrombin time (PT). C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK) D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL).

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL): Atorvastatin's primary effect is to decrease LDL cholesterol levels. A decrease in LDL levels would indicate the medication is working as intended, not an increase.
B. Prothrombin time (PT): PT is a measure of blood clotting, which is not directly affected by atorvastatin. This value is more relevant for monitoring anticoagulant therapy.

C. Creatine phosphokinase (CK): CK levels can be used to monitor for muscle damage or side effects related to statin use. An increase in CK levels would suggest muscle damage, not the effectiveness of the statin.
D. High-density lipoprotein (HDL): Atorvastatin is a statin medication used to lower cholesterol levels, particularly low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is a key target in reducing the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). While the primary goal of atorvastatin is to lower LDL cholesterol, an increase in HDL cholesterol (often termed "good" cholesterol) is also desirable as it can help reduce the risk of CAD. Therefore, an increase in HDL is a positive indicator that the medication is having a beneficial effect.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

An increase in which serum lab value indicates to the nurse that a prescription for atorvastatin is having the desired effect for a client at risk for coronary artery disease?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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