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.

Answer and Explanation

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

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Metformin is a medication that can aﬀect kidney function. Since contrast dye used in CT scans is processed through the kidneys, it is important for the nurse to follow up on the client’s use of metformin before the CT scan with contrast. The client may need to temporarily stop taking metformin before and after the procedure to prevent any potential harm to their kidneys.

A. Fingerstick glucose. B. Serum electrolytes and ammonia. C. Stool color and character. D. Serum hepatic enzymes.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Lactulose is a medication commonly used in the management of hepatic encephalopathy. It works by reducing the absorption of ammonia in the gut, which is a toxin that can accumulate in the blood in patients with liver dysfunction.

Monitoring serum electrolytes and ammonia levels can help the nurse evaluate the eﬀectiveness of lactulose therapy. Elevated ammonia levels can indicate that the medication is not eﬀectively reducing ammonia absorption and may require adjustment in dose or frequency. Additionally, monitoring electrolyte levels can help detect any imbalances that may occur because of lactulose therapy.

Fingerstick glucose levels (option A) are not relevant to evaluating the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

Stool color and character (option C) may be monitored to assess the side eﬀects of lactulose, such as diarrhea, but are not the best assessments to evaluate therapeutic response.

Serum hepatic enzymes (option D) may be useful in assessing the severity of liver disease but are not the best assessment to evaluate the therapeutic response of lactulose in hepatic encephalopathy.

View Question and Answer

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

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?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client is scheduled for a spiral computed topography (CT) scan with contrast to evaluate for pulmonary embolism. Which information in the client’s history requires follow-up by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with hepatic encephalopathy is receiving lactulose. Which assessment provides the nurse with the nest information to evaluate the client’s therapeutic response to the drug?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client with a history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) receives a new prescription for an ipratropium inhaler. Which action indicates to the nurse that additional teaching is needed?

A client with psychosis who is receiving an antipsychotic medication is continuously rubbing the back of the neck. Which nursing intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

A client with bipolar disorder admitted with severe depression and suicidal ideation receives a prescription for lithium carbonate, which instruction should the nurse provide to the client?

The nurse is planning care for a patient with major depression who is receiving a new prescription for duloxetine. Which information is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Prior to administering the evening dose of carbamazepine, the nurse noted that the client’s morning carbamazepine level was 8.4 mg/L. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse is planning to discharge teaching for a client with diabetes mellitus who has a new prescription for insulin glargine. Which action should the nurse include in the discharge teaching?

When caring for a client with diabetes insipidus who is receiving antidiuretic hormone intranasally, which serum lab test is most important for the nurse to monitor?