The nurse discovers that an older client with no history of cardiac or renal disease has an elevated serum magnesium level. To further investigate the cause of this electrolyte imbalance, what information is most important for the nurse to obtain from the client's medical history?
Genetically inherited disorders of family members.
Frequency of laxative use for chronic constipation.
Length and frequency of the client's tobacco use.
Ingestion of shellfish or fish oil capsules daily.
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect- Genetically inherited disorders of family members: While a family history of certain disorders might provide some insight, it is not typically the primary cause of elevated serum magnesium levels in an older adult.
B) Correct- Elevated serum magnesium levels are commonly associated with chronic laxative use, especially those containing magnesium-based compounds. Laxatives can lead to excessive magnesium intake, causing hypermagnesemia.
C. Incorrect- Smoking is not a common cause of elevated serum magnesium levels.
D. Incorrect- While dietary sources can contribute to magnesium intake, chronic laxative use is a more likely cause in this context.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A,B,C,D,E
Explanation
A) This is because the client is experiencing an allergic reaction to piperacillin, which can be life-threatening. The nurse should stop the infusion immediately to prevent further exposure to
the drug and assess vital signs to monitor for signs of anaphylaxis, such as hypotension, tachycardia, wheezes, or stridor.
B) Assessing vital signs is a priority to determine the severity of the reaction and the client's overall condition.
C) The nurse should contact the healthcare provider to report the situation and obtain orders for treatment, such as antihistamines, corticosteroids, or epinephrine.
D) The nurse should initiate an adverse event report to document the incident and follow the facility's protocol for reporting medication errors.
E) The nurse should also document the reaction to the drug in the client's chart and notify the pharmacy to avoid future administration of piperacillin or related antibiotics.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The information that the nurse should obtain from the client first is: Reason for taking the aspirin.
It is important to first understand why the client was taking aspirin in order to determine the potential implications of switching to ibuprofen. Aspirin and ibuprofen are both nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), but they have different indications and effects. Aspirin is commonly used for its antiplatelet properties to reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while ibuprofen is primarily used for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
By understanding the reason for taking aspirin, the nurse can assess if the client was using it for its antiplatelet effects, which is important information to consider for the client's overall health and well-being.
Once the reason for taking aspirin is determined, the nurse can proceed to inquire about the other relevant information, such as the dosage of ibuprofen taken, presence of gastric pain, and amount of pain control. These details will help in assessing the client's current medication regimen, potential side effects or complications, and overall pain management.
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