The nurse is caring for a patient who is receiving a high dose of intravenous azithromycin to treat an infection.
The patient is also taking acetaminophen for pain.
The nurse should expect to review which lab value when monitoring for this drug side effect?
Complete blood count.
Urinalysis.
Electrolytes.
Liver enzymes.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
While a complete blood count (CBC) is an essential lab value for monitoring many conditions and potential side effects, it is not the primary concern when administering high doses of azithromycin, especially with co-administration of acetaminophen. The focus should be on liver function.
Choice B rationale
Urinalysis is useful in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions but is not directly relevant to monitoring the side effects of azithromycin and acetaminophen. These medications do not typically cause urinary abnormalities that would necessitate frequent urinalysis.
Choice C rationale
Electrolytes are not directly affected by azithromycin and acetaminophen use. Although monitoring electrolytes can be essential in broader contexts, these specific medications do not primarily impact electrolyte balance requiring focused monitoring.
Choice D rationale
Liver enzymes are the key lab values to monitor when administering high doses of azithromycin and acetaminophen. Both medications are metabolized by the liver and can cause hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver enzymes helps in detecting early signs of liver damage and preventing further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Oral morphine typically reaches peak activity at around 45 minutes after administration. This allows time for the medication to be absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and enter the bloodstream to provide pain relief.
Choice B rationale
10 minutes is too short for oral morphine to reach peak activity. This timeframe is more consistent with intravenous administration, which allows for rapid onset of action.
Choice C rationale
30 minutes is a bit too short for oral morphine to reach peak effect, although some patients may start to feel relief. However, peak plasma concentrations generally occur closer to 45-60 minutes.
Choice D rationale
While morphine can continue to have effects up to 60 minutes and beyond, the peak activity is typically observed around the 45-minute mark. Waiting for 60 minutes may underestimate the peak timeframe.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Magnesium plays a role in various cellular functions, including enzyme activity and muscle contraction, but it does not directly inactivate troponin to enable actin and myosin interaction.
Choice B rationale
Sodium is essential for action potential generation and nerve impulse transmission but does not directly influence troponin activity or muscle contraction through actin and myosin bridge formation.
Choice C rationale
Potassium is critical for maintaining cellular resting membrane potential and repolarization of cells but does not play a direct role in inactivating troponin to facilitate muscle contraction.
Choice D rationale
Calcium is the electrolyte that inactivates troponin, allowing actin and myosin to form cross-bridges and contract muscle fibers. Calcium binds to troponin, causing a conformational change that exposes binding sites for myosin on actin filaments.
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