Medical History: The patient is on Naltrexone 50mg PO once daily and Fluoxetine 20mg PO every morning.
The nurse has reviewed the client’s electronic health record.
Which of the following client findings require immediate follow-up by the nurse? (Select all that apply.)
Sexual behaviors
Frequency of hospitalizations
Sodium level
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results
Correct Answer : C,D
Choice C rationale:
Sodium level is a critical electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve and muscle function, and blood pressure. Naltrexone, one of the medications the patient is taking, has the potential to cause hyponatremia (low sodium levels) as a side effect. Hyponatremia can manifest with various symptoms, including headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, and even coma in severe cases. Prompt recognition and management of hyponatremia are crucial to prevent serious complications.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential for Hyponatremia: Naltrexone, an opioid antagonist, can interfere with the body's ability to regulate sodium levels, leading to hyponatremia.
Serious Consequences of Hyponatremia: Low sodium levels can disrupt vital bodily functions, potentially causing neurological symptoms, seizures, and even coma.
Need for Prompt Intervention: Early detection and correction of hyponatremia are essential to prevent adverse outcomes.
Monitoring and Management: The nurse should assess the patient's sodium level, monitor for signs and symptoms of hyponatremia, and initiate appropriate interventions as needed, such as fluid restriction or electrolyte replacement.
Choice D rationale:
Hepatitis Viral Study (HAA) results are essential for determining the patient's hepatitis A status. Hepatitis A is a highly contagious liver infection that can cause significant illness. Fluoxetine, the other medication the patient is taking, can potentially cause liver damage in rare cases. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that the patient does not have hepatitis A before initiating or continuing Fluoxetine therapy.
Rationale for Immediate
Potential Liver Injury: Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has a rare but potential risk of hepatotoxicity (liver damage).
Hepatitis A Risk: Hepatitis A infection can further exacerbate liver injury, increasing the risk of complications.
Baseline Assessment: HAA results provide information about the patient's hepatitis A status, aiding in risk assessment and management decisions.
Monitoring and Precautions: If the patient tests positive for hepatitis A, the nurse should initiate appropriate precautions to prevent transmission and closely monitor liver function during Fluoxetine therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Hemoglobin (Hgb) of 11 g/dL is slightly below the normal range for adult females (12-16 g/dL) but is not considered a critical value.
It may indicate mild anemia, which is common in bulimia nervosa due to factors such as poor nutrition and blood loss from self-induced vomiting. However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention.
Choice B rationale:
Potassium of 2.8 mEq/L is significantly below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L) and is considered a critical value, indicating severe hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance that can lead to cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, respiratory failure, and even death.
It is a common complication of bulimia nervosa due to excessive vomiting and/or laxative abuse, which can lead to significant potassium loss.
Therefore, this finding would be the nurse's priority, necessitating immediate intervention to correct the hypokalemia and prevent potentially life-threatening complications.
Choice C rationale:
Serum chloride of 96 mEq/L is slightly below the normal range (98-106 mEq/L) but is not considered a critical value.
It may be associated with hypokalemia, as chloride and potassium are often lost together in conditions like bulimia nervosa.
However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention.
Choice D rationale:
Serum amylase of 240 units/L is elevated above the normal range (30-110 units/L) but is not considered a critical value.
It may indicate inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which can be a complication of bulimia nervosa due to recurrent vomiting and/or alcohol abuse.
However, it would not typically be the most urgent finding requiring immediate intervention, especially in comparison to severe hypokalemia.
Correct Answer is ["A","D"]
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A and D.
Choice A rationale:
Establishing rapport with the client is a fundamental nursing action to create a trusting relationship, which is especially important when a client is experiencing acute anxiety. A strong rapport can help the client feel more secure and supported, making it easier to manage their anxiety.
Choice B rationale:
Making eye contact is generally considered a non-threatening and effective way to communicate care and attention. Avoiding eye contact could make the client feel isolated or ignored. Therefore, this is not a recommended action when attending to a client with acute anxiety.
Choice C rationale:
Using a high-pitched voice can be perceived as alarming or stressful, which may exacerbate the client’s anxiety. It is important to use a calm, soothing tone when speaking to someone who is anxious.
Choice D rationale:
Validating the client’s feelings and identifying the cause of the anxiety are therapeutic techniques that acknowledge the client’s experience and can help in addressing the underlying issues contributing to the anxiety. This can be a crucial step in helping the client to cope with and overcome their anxiety.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.