The nurse is caring for a client who is taking diclofenac, an NSAID drug for rheumatoid arthritis. During a clinic visit, the client appears pale and reports increasing fatigue. Which of the client’s serum laboratory values is most important for the nurse to review?
Glucose
Total protein
Sodium
Hemoglobin
The Correct Answer is D
Diclofenac, like other NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal irritation and bleeding. The client’s symptoms of pallor and fatigue may indicate anemia due to blood loss. Reviewing the client’s hemoglobin level would help the nurse determine if the client is experiencing anemia and if further evaluation and intervention are needed.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that is given once daily at the same time every day via subcutaneous injection. Therefore, it is essential to teach the client self-injection skills for daily subcutaneous administration to ensure proper administration of insulin.
Option b is incorrect because insulin glargine is typically given at the same dose every day, not based on before meal blood sugar readings.
Option c is incorrect because insulin glargine is not used for the treatment of severe hypoglycemia, and it should not be administered by someone who is not trained to do so.
Option d is incorrect because ketoacidosis is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus that requires urgent medical atention, and increasing medication dosage is not appropriate for this condition.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that works by blocking the actions of aldosterone, a hormone that can lead to potassium loss in the urine. However, in some cases, spironolactone can cause hyperkalemia (high levels of potassium in the blood), which can be dangerous for patients with heart failure. Therefore, it is important to instruct the patient to limit their intake of high-potassium foods such as bananas, oranges, tomatoes, spinach, and salt substitutes containing potassium.
Option a (Replace salt with a salt substitute) is incorrect because salt substitutes often contain potassium, which can further increase the risk of hyperkalemia.
Option c (Cover your skin before going outside) is unrelated to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia.
Option d (Monitor skin for excessive bruising) is not directly related to the use of spironolactone and hyperkalemia, although it is a potential side effect of other medications used to treat heart failure.
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