The nurse assesses a client with intermittent claudication who is receiving pentoxifylline. Which assessment should the nurse perform to determine the effectiveness of the medication?
Evaluate the level of consciousness.
Auscultate bowel sounds.
Measure hourly urinary output.
Monitor numeric pain scale.
The Correct Answer is D
Intermittent claudication is a condition in which there is pain in the legs due to reduced blood flow. Pentoxifylline is a medication that can improve blood flow by reducing the viscosity of the blood. Therefore, to determine the effectiveness of the medication in managing intermittent claudication, the nurse should monitor the client's pain level using a numeric pain scale. This will help to assess if the medication provides pain relief and improving the client's ability to walk without discomfort.
Options a, b, and c are not relevant to the assessment of the effectiveness of pentoxifylline in managing intermittent claudication.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Cyclosporine is an immunosuppressive medication commonly used to prevent graft rejection after organ transplantation. St. John's Wort is known to induce cytochrome P450 enzymes, which can increase the metabolism and decrease the effectiveness of many medications, including cyclosporine. This interaction can lead to decreased plasma concentrations of cyclosporine, which can increase the risk of graft rejection. Therefore, it is important to advise the client to discontinue the use of St. John's Wort and inform their healthcare provider about any herbal or supplement use to prevent potential interactions with prescribed medications. Options a, c, and d are not directly related to the client's current condition and are not as significant as option b.
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.
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