The nurse is caring for a client who has been taking aspirin 81mg PO daily for the last six months. Which clinical findings are of most concern? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)
Temperature elevation of 100.4 ORGAN
Hemoglobin decrease from 128g/dl to 9.5g/dl
Serum potassium increase from 3.5 mEq/L 4.5 mEq/L
Gastrointestinal discomfort prior to eating breakfast
Several areas of ecchymosis on upper and lower extremities
Correct Answer : B,E
A. Temperature elevation of 100.4°F: While a slight fever can indicate infection or inflammation, it is not an immediate concern related to aspirin use. It requires monitoring but is not as critical as other findings.
B. Hemoglobin decrease from 128 g/dL to 5.5 g/dL: This significant drop in hemoglobin indicates severe anemia, which is a major concern and may suggest gastrointestinal bleeding, a known risk of long-term aspirin use.
C. Serum potassium increase from 3.5 mEq/L to 4.5 mEq/L: This level is still within the normal range and does not indicate a significant clinical issue. Normal potassium levels do not raise immediate concern.
D. Gastrointestinal discomfort prior to eating breakfast: While gastrointestinal discomfort can be a side effect of aspirin, it is not immediately alarming unless associated with more severe symptoms like bleeding or ulceration.
E. Several areas of ecchymosis on upper and lower extremities: This finding is concerning as it may indicate bleeding issues due to thrombocytopenia or increased bleeding tendency associated with aspirin therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. increased fluid in the pericardial sac: While fluid accumulation can affect heart sounds, it typically leads to muffled heart sounds rather than a loud murmur. Increased fluid in the pericardial sac (pericardial effusion) usually does not produce a classic heart murmur.
B. dysfunction of one or more heart valves: This statement is correct. Heart murmurs are often caused by turbulence in blood flow due to the dysfunction of heart valves, such as stenosis (narrowing) or regurgitation (leaking). A loud murmur suggests significant turbulence, which is often indicative of valvular heart disease.
C. an aneurysm of the descending aorta: While an aortic aneurysm can cause other types of heart sounds or signs of cardiovascular compromise, it is not primarily associated with heart murmurs.
D. an occlusion of the right coronary artery: An occlusion may lead to ischemia or myocardial infarction, which can cause changes in heart sounds, but it does not directly cause a heart murmur. Murmurs are more specifically related to blood flow dynamics, particularly involving valves.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Have biannual renal function studies: While monitoring renal function can be important, it is not specifically required for all patients on rosuvastatin. The focus should be on liver function and muscle-related side effects.
B. Stop the medication if you develop a headache: Headaches are not a common or serious side effect of rosuvastatin. Patients should not stop the medication without consulting their healthcare provider unless they experience severe symptoms.
C. Report muscle weakness or pain: This is critical information to provide. Statins, including rosuvastatin, can cause muscle-related side effects such as myopathy or rhabdomyolysis. Patients should be instructed to report any unexplained muscle weakness, pain, or tenderness.
D. Monitor body weight weekly: While maintaining a healthy weight is important, weekly weight monitoring is not a standard recommendation for patients taking rosuvastatin.
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