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 NPH insulin is normally cloudy and should be gently mixed before use. However, the nurse should discard the solution if it has clumps, flakes, or crystals.
Choice B reason: This is correct because NPH insulin is an intermediate-acting insulin that has a slower onset and longer duration than short-acting or rapid-acting insulins. The nurse should explain to the client that NPH insulin provides basal coverage and may need to be combined with other types of insulin to control blood glucose levels.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because freezing insulin can damage its potency and effectiveness. The nurse should instruct the client to store unopened insulin vials in the refrigerator and opened vials at room temperature.
Choice D reason: This is incorrect because shaking insulin can cause air bubbles and frothing, which can affect the accuracy of the dose. The nurse should instruct the client to roll the insulin vial between the palms of the hands to mix it gently.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not affect each other's effectiveness, but rather their side effects. Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor that enhances the effect of nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and increases blood flow to the penis. Nitrates are vasodilators that also increase nitric oxide levels and reduce the workload of the heart.
Choice B reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not cause a significant increase in pulse rate, but rather a decrease. This is because the vasodilation caused by both drugs lowers the blood pressure and the cardiac output, which reduces the heart rate.
Choice C reason: This is incorrect because sildenafil and nitrates do not increase the risk of bleeding, unless they are combined with other drugs that affect the blood clotting process, such as anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
Choice D reason: This is correct because sildenafil and nitrates can cause a significant decrease in blood pressure when taken together, as they both cause vasodilation and increase nitric oxide levels. This can lead to hypotension, dizziness, fainting, or even a heart attack or stroke. The patient should avoid taking sildenafil and nitrates within 24 hours of each other.
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