Prior to administering oral doses of calcitriol and calcium carbonate to a client with hypoparathyroidism, the nurse notes that the total level of calcium is 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse implement?
Administer both prescribed medications as scheduled.
Hold the calcitriol but administer the calcium carbonate as scheduled.
Hold the calcium carbonate but administer the calcitriol as scheduled.
Hold both medications until contacting the healthcare provider.
The Correct Answer is D
A total calcium level of 14 mg/dL (3.5 mmol/L) is higher than the normal range of 2.2 to 2.6 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)1. Calcitriol and calcium carbonate are both medications used to increase calcium levels in the blood2. Since the client’s calcium level is already high, it would be important for the nurse to hold both medications and contact the healthcare provider for further instructions.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Ferrous sulfate is best absorbed on an empty stomach. The nurse should instruct the client to wait for 2 hours after meals before taking the tablet to promote the best absorption of the medication. The client should also be advised not to crush the enteric-coated tablets as this can affect the medication’s effectiveness.

Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Restless legs syndrome is a condition that causes an uncomfortable sensation in the legs and an uncontrollable urge to move them. Melatonin is a natural hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle and can be used as a sleep aid. Therefore, when evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin in an older adult client with restless legs syndrome, the nurse should assess the client's sleep patterns to determine if the herb is improving their ability to fall and stay asleep.
Assessing anxiety level (a) may be useful in other contexts, but it is not directly relevant to evaluating the effectiveness of melatonin for restless legs syndrome. Observing for peripheral edema (b) and palpating pedal pulse volume (d) are important assessments in clients with peripheral vascular disease or other circulatory disorders, but they are not directly related to restless legs syndrome or the use of melatonin.

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