A nurse is caring for a client who has nephrotic syndrome and is receiving high-dose corticosteroid therapy. For which of the following electrolyte imbalances should the nurse monitor?
Hyperkalemia
Hypokalemia
Hypermagnesemia
Hypomagnesemia
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Hyperkalemia is not the correct answer. Hyperkalemia is a high level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not cause hyperkalemia, but rather hypokalemia. Hyperkalemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, acidosis, or potassium-sparing diuretics.
Choice B reason: Hypokalemia is the correct answer. Hypokalemia is a low level of potassium in the blood. Corticosteroids can cause hypokalemia by increasing the excretion of potassium and sodium in the urine. Hypokalemia can cause muscle weakness, cramps, arrhythmias, and digoxin toxicity.
Choice C reason: Hypermagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypermagnesemia is a high level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypermagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as renal failure, excessive antacid use, or magnesium-containing laxatives.
Choice D reason: Hypomagnesemia is not the correct answer. Hypomagnesemia is a low level of magnesium in the blood. Corticosteroids do not affect magnesium levels. Hypomagnesemia may be caused by other factors such as malnutrition, alcoholism, or diuretic use.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because the patient may not see a response from the medication for at least six months. The patient should continue taking the medication as prescribed and follow up with the provider regularly.
Choice B reason: This is correct because finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses if it is absorbed through the skin or ingested by pregnant women. The patient should wear gloves when handling the tablets and avoid contact with crushed or broken tablets.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because PSA levels will decrease while taking this medication. PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, which is a marker for prostate cancer. The patient should inform the provider that they are taking finasteride before having a PSA test, as it may affect the results.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because grapefruit juice does not interact with finasteride. However, the patient should avoid alcohol and other medications that may affect the liver while taking finasteride.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Benzonatate is not the correct answer. Benzonatate is a cough suppressant that works by numbing the throat and lungs. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice B reason: Guaifenesin is the correct answer. Guaifenesin is an expectorant that works by thinning and loosening the mucus in the airways. It helps in the removal of mucus by making it easier to cough up.
Choice C reason: Diphenhydramine is not the correct answer. Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
Choice D reason: Dextromethorphan is not the correct answer. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant that works by affecting the signals in the brain that trigger the cough reflex. It does not help in the removal of mucus.
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