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.
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is choice A. Intensity.Intensity is one of the key components of pain assessmentand it is measured by asking a client to rate his or her current level of discomfort on a scale of 0-10.
This helps to quantify the severity of pain and monitor its changes over time.
Choice B. Quality is wrong because quality refers to the nature or characteristics of pain, such as burning, stabbing, throbbing, etc.It is usually assessed by asking the client to describe the pain in his or her own words.
Choice C.Onset is wrong because onset refers to the time when the pain started or what triggered it.It is usually assessed by asking the client about the mechanism of injury or etiology of pain, if identifiable.
Choice D.Duration is wrong because duration refers to how long the pain lasts or how often it occurs.It is usually assessed by asking the client about the course or temporal pattern of pain, such as constant, intermittent, or episodic.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B.Methadone blocks the euphoric effects of heroin and discourages its use.Methadone is a synthetic opioid analgesic that produces a cross-tolerance to other narcotics, thereby preventing the user from feeling the high of heroin.Methadone also reduces withdrawal symptoms and cravings for heroin.
Choice A is wrong because methadone does not prevent withdrawal symptoms, but rather reduces them.
Choice C is wrong because methadone does not stimulate opioid receptors, but rather occupies them and blocks their activation by heroin.
Choice D is wrong because methadone does not reverse the respiratory depression caused by heroin overdose, but rather carries a risk of overdose itself.
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