The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, for mild pain. Which laboratory test result should the nurse monitor closely in this client?

Serum creatinine

Serum potassium

Serum albumin

Serum bilirubin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The correct answer is choice D. Serum bilirubin. The nurse should monitor the client’s serum bilirubin level closely because acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, can cause hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure in cases of overdose.

Serum bilirubin is a marker of liver function and damage.

A high level of serum bilirubin indicates jaundice, a sign of liver injury.

Choice A is wrong because serum creatinine is a marker of kidney function and damage. Acetaminophen has limited nephrotoxicity compared to NSAIDs.

Choice B is wrong because serum potassium is not directly affected by acetaminophen.

Serum potassium is an electrolyte that reflects fluid and acid-base balance in the body.

Choice C is wrong because serum albumin is a protein that is synthesized by the liver.

Although serum albumin may be low in chronic liver disease, it is not a sensitive indicator of acute liver injury caused by acetaminophen overdose.

Normal ranges for serum bilirubin are 0.3 to 1.2 mg/dL for adults and 1 to 12 mg/dL for newborns.

Normal ranges for serum creatinine are 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for men and 0.5 to 1.1 mg/dL for women.

Normal ranges for serum potassium are 3.5 to 5 mEq/L for adults and children.

Normal ranges for serum albumin are 3.4 to 5.4 g/dL for adults and children.

Nursing Test Bank

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. Avoid driving while taking this medication.The nurse should instruct the client to avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin) because these medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired mental function.The nurse should also warn the client about the risk of addiction, overdose, and death from misuse of this medication.

Choice B is wrong because taking this medication on an empty stomach can increase the risk of nausea and vomiting.The nurse should advise the client to take this medication with food or milk to prevent stomach upset.

Choice C is wrong because increasing the intake of foods rich in vitamin K is not relevant to taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin).Vitamin K is involved in blood clotting and may interact with some anticoagulant medications, but not with this medication.

Choice D is wrong because limiting fluid intake to prevent fluid retention is not necessary for a client taking acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin).This medication does not cause fluid retention or edema.The nurse should encourage the client to drink plenty of fluids to prevent constipation, which is a common side effect of opioid medications.

A. The client reports a pain level of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10. B. The client has a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute. C. The client has a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg. D. The client has a pulse oximetry reading of 95%.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The correct answer is choice A. The client reports a pain level of 4 on a scale of 0 to 10.This indicates that the PCA pump is effective in reducing the client’s pain, which is the primary symptom of sickle cell crisis.

Choice B is wrong because a respiratory rate of 12 breaths per minute is normal and does not indicate the effectiveness of the PCA pump.

Choice C is wrong because a blood pressure of 140/90 mm Hg is high and may indicate hypertension, which is a complication of sickle cell disease.

Choice D is wrong because a pulse oximetry reading of 95% is normal and does not indicate the effectiveness of the PCA pump.

Normal ranges for vital signs are:

• Respiratory rate: 12-20 breaths per minute

• Blood pressure: <120/80 mm Hg

• Pulse oximetry: >95%

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The nurse is caring for a client who has been prescribed acetaminophen, a non-opioid analgesic, for mild pain. Which laboratory test result should the nurse monitor closely in this client?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who has a prescription for acetaminophen and hydrocodone (Vicodin).Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client who has a sickle cell crisis and is receiving morphine via patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) pump. Which assessment finding indicates that the PCA pump is effective?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which statement made by a client taking aspirin indicates an understanding of its use?

A nurse is caring for a client who has rheumatoid arthritis and has been prescribed ibuprofen (Advil). Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching? Select all that apply.

A patient with chronic back pain is prescribed gabapentin as an adjuvant analgesic. The nurse should instruct the patient to report which of the following adverse effects?

A nurse is teaching a client who has cancer pain about the use of oral oxycodone with acetaminophen (Percocet). Which statement by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

Which component of pain assessment is addressed by asking a client to rate his or her current level of discomfort on a scale of 0-10?

A nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving epidural analgesia with buprenorphine (Buprenex). Which assessment finding would indicate that an adverse effect may be occurring?

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has difficulty communicating verbally due to aphasia following a stroke. Which of the following strategies should the nurse use to assess this client’s pain? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who has chronic pain about nonpharmacological pain management techniques. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching? (Select all that apply.).