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 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The client's symptoms suggest liver dysfunction, which is a known adverse effect of albendazole. Albendazole is primarily metabolized in the liver, and its use can cause liver damage in some cases. Therefore, it is essential to review liver function test results to assess the severity of liver damage and to determine if the medication should be discontinued or the dosage should be adjusted.
The renal function panel (a) measures the levels of various substances, such as creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, in the blood to assess kidney function.
The thyroid function test (b) evaluates the levels of thyroid hormones in the blood to diagnose thyroid disorders.
The basic metabolic panel (c) includes several tests that assess the levels of electrolytes, glucose, and other substances in the blood to evaluate metabolic function. However, these lab tests are not directly related to the symptoms and adverse effects associated with albendazole use
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