A client with nasal congestion receives a prescription for phenylephrine 10 mg by mouth every 4 hours. Which client condition should the nurse report to the healthcare provider before administering the medication?
Diarrhea.
Bronchitis.
Hypertension.
Edema.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A reason: Diarrhea is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which is a decongestant that reduces swelling and mucus in the nasal passages. However, the nurse should monitor the client's fluid and electrolyte balance and provide adequate hydration.
Choice B reason: Bronchitis is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which may help relieve some of the symptoms of bronchitis, such as nasal congestion and cough. However, the nurse should also encourage the client to use other measures, such as steam inhalation, expectorants, and rest.
Choice C reason: Hypertension is a contraindication for phenylephrine, which can increase blood pressure and heart rate by constricting blood vessels. The nurse should report this condition to the healthcare provider and withhold the medication until further orders.

Choice D reason: Edema is not a contraindication for phenylephrine, which does not affect fluid retention or distribution. However, the nurse should assess the cause of edema and monitor the client's weight and urine output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is b. Liver function laboratory results.
Choice A reason:
Weight change in the last month can be an important factor to consider for a patient's overall health and may be relevant in the context of depression, as significant weight changes can be a symptom of this condition. However, it is not the most critical piece of information before prescribing duloxetine. Duloxetine is not primarily metabolized by the kidneys, and while weight can affect dosing and efficacy, it is not the most crucial factor to consider before starting treatment.
Choice B reason:
Liver function laboratory results are crucial to obtain before prescribing duloxetine because duloxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver. The prescribing information for duloxetine warns of the potential for hepatotoxicity, and hepatic failure has been reported in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that the patient's liver function is normal before initiating therapy with duloxetine, as impaired liver function could lead to increased levels of the medication in the body and a higher risk of side effects.
Choice C reason:
Recent use of other antidepressants is important to consider avoiding drug interactions, particularly with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which can lead to serious, life-threatening side effects if taken together with duloxetine. While this information is important, it is not as critical as liver function, because the primary concern with other antidepressants is the timing of medication changes rather than an absolute contraindication.
Choice D reason:
A family history of mental illness can provide valuable information for understanding a patient's background and potential genetic predispositions to certain conditions. However, this information does not directly impact the safety and initial prescribing of duloxetine. It may be more relevant for long-term treatment considerations and prognosis rather than immediate prescription safety.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Glucose is a measure of blood sugar levels, and it may be affected by various factors, such as diet, medication, stress, or infection. However, glucose is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the glucose levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.
Choice B reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Total protein is a measure of the amount of protein in the blood, and it may reflect the nutritional status, liver function, or kidney function of the client. However, total protein is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the total protein levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.
Choice C reason: This is not the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Sodium is a measure of the electrolyte balance in the blood, and it may be affected by fluid intake, fluid loss, or hormonal regulation. However, sodium is not directly related to the use of diclofenac or the symptoms of the client. The nurse should monitor the sodium levels for any changes, but it is not the priority.
Choice D reason: This is the most important laboratory value for the nurse to review. Hemoglobin is a measure of the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood, and it may indicate the presence of anemia, which is a common adverse effect of diclofenac. Diclofenac can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, which can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin and hematocrit levels. The client's appearance and fatigue may be signs of anemia, which can impair the tissue oxygenation and worsen the client's condition. The nurse should review the hemoglobin levels and report any abnormal findings to the healthcare provider. The nurse should also assess the client for other signs of bleeding, such as melena, hematemesis, or hematuria.
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