The nurse is administering subcutaneous enoxaparin to a client following knee replacement surgery to prevent a deep vein thrombosis. Which laboratory result requires immediate action by the nurse?

Reference Range:

Hematocrit [42% to 52% (0.42 to 0.52 volume fraction)]

Platelets [150,000 to 400,000/mm (150 to 400 x 10L)

Creatinine (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL (44 to 97 μmol/L)]

Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN) [10 to 20 mg/dl (3.6 to 7.1 mmol/L)]

Serum creatinine 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 μmol/L)

Platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10°/L).

Hematocrit 459% (0.45 volume fraction).

Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A) A serum creatinine level of 1.0 mg/dL falls within the reference range (0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse. Creatinine levels within the reference range suggest normal kidney function.

B) A platelet count of 100,000/mm3 (100 x 10^9/L) is below the lower limit of the reference range (150,000 to 400,000/mm3). Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet count, increases the risk of bleeding complications, especially when administering anticoagulants like enoxaparin. Therefore, a platelet count of 100,000/mm3 requires immediate action by the nurse to assess for bleeding and notify the healthcare provider.

C) A hematocrit of 45% (0.45 volume fraction) falls within the reference range (42% to 52%) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.

D) A blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level of 20 mg/dL (7.1 mmol/L) falls within the reference range (10 to 20 mg/dl) and does not indicate immediate action by the nurse.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A) Recent oral intake: This information is important because pyridostigmine is typically administered orally and can interact with food, affecting its absorption. It is essential to ensure that the client has recently eaten or will eat soon to minimize gastrointestinal side effects and optimize medication absorption.

B) Trouble sleeping: While sleep disturbances can be a concern, particularly if they worsen with medication use, it may not be the most critical information to obtain before administering pyridostigmine. However, if the client experiences worsening sleep disturbances after starting the medication, it should be reported to the healthcare provider.

C) Unexplained weight loss: While weight loss can be a symptom of myasthenia gravis, it may not be directly related to the administration of pyridostigmine. However, if the client experiences significant weight loss or other unexplained symptoms, further assessment and evaluation may be necessary.

D) Difficulty with urination: Pyridostigmine can affect bladder function and may exacerbate urinary retention, especially in clients with myasthenia gravis. However, obtaining information about the client's recent oral intake is more crucial to ensure optimal medication absorption and minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Difficulty with urination should still be monitored, but it may not be the most immediate concern before administering the medication.

A. Take with a glass of milk. B. Use a straw to ingest. C. Swallow undiluted. D. Mix with an antacid.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A) Taking ferrous sulfate elixir with a glass of milk is not recommended because milk can interfere with the absorption of iron. Iron absorption is enhanced in an acidic environment, and milk's ca’cium content can inhibit this process.

B) Using a straw to ingest the ferrous sulfate elixir is advisable because it can help minimize contact between the medication and the teeth, reducing the risk of staining. Iron supplements can cause discoloration of the teeth, and using a straw directs the liquid towards the back of the mouth, bypassing the teeth.

C) Swallowing ferrous sulfate elixir undiluted is the usual method of administration; however, doing so may increase the risk of staining the teeth due to direct contact with the oral mucosa and teeth. It is important to follow the healthcare provider's in’tructions regarding dosage and administration.

D) Mixing ferrous sulfate elixir with an antacid is generally not recommended unless specifically directed by the healthcare provider. Antacids containing calcium or magnesium can bind to iron, forming complexes that are poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing the effectiveness of iron supplementation.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with myasthenia gravis receives a now prescription for pyridostigmine. Which information should the nurse obtain to prior to administering the medication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Ferrous sulfate elixir is prescribed for a client with iron deficiency anemia. Which instruction should the nurse provide this client about taking the liquid medication?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing the client’s laboratory results. Based on a client’s serum digoxin level, the client is diagnosed with digoxin toxicity. Which action should the nurse expect to implement?

A client with narcolepsy receives a new prescription for methylphenidate. Prior to administration of the medication, the nurse should review the medical record for which condition?

The nurse is preparing to apply the client’s scheduled fentanyl transdermal patch. The nurse notes the previously applied patch is intact on the client’s upper back and the client reports no pain. Which action should the nurse take?

The nurse is preparing a discharge teaching plan for a client who is taking ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets, which wore prescribed because of a suspected anthrax exposure. What instruction(s) should be included in the teaching plan? Select all that apply.

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

Before administering a laxative to a bedfast client, it is most important for the nurse to perform which assessment?

Before administering the initial dose of sumatriptan succinate to a client with a migraine headache, it is most important to determine if the client's hi’tory includes which problem?