The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for Addisonian crisis.
What clinical change indicates to the nurse that the prescribed therapy was effective?

Increase of 25 mmHg in the patient's systolic blood pressure.

An increase in the serum potassium level from 3.5 to 5.6 mEq/dL.

Patient complains of headache and is showing signs of restlessness.

The patient has normal temperature with pallor to the skin.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

An increase in systolic blood pressure by 25 mmHg indicates a positive response to therapy for Addisonian crisis. Addisonian crisis involves severe hypotension due to low levels of cortisol and aldosterone, which regulate blood pressure. Cortisol replacement therapy helps to increase blood pressure by enhancing the responsiveness of blood vessels to catecholamines and promoting sodium and water retention. This improvement is critical for stabilizing the patient and restoring hemodynamic balance.

Choice B rationale

An increase in serum potassium level from 3.5 to 5.6 mEq/dL suggests hyperkalemia, which is a sign of worsening condition, not improvement. Addisonian crisis is characterized by hyperkalemia due to aldosterone deficiency, which impairs potassium excretion. Effective treatment would normalize potassium levels rather than increase them.

Choice C rationale

Complaints of headache and signs of restlessness may indicate adverse effects or complications, rather than therapeutic efficacy. These symptoms could result from inadequate or excessive dosing of corticosteroids or other underlying issues. Monitoring patient response and adjusting treatment is essential.

Choice D rationale

Normal temperature with pallor to the skin does not indicate effective therapy for Addisonian crisis. Pallor may reflect ongoing hypoperfusion or anemia. The absence of fever is not a definitive marker of therapeutic success. Key indicators include hemodynamic stability and normalized electrolytes.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Placing the patient in a private, lead-lined room is unnecessary for external radiation therapy, which does not make the patient radioactive. This consideration is more applicable to internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), where radioactive materials are placed inside the body.

Choice B rationale

While dosimeter badges are essential for monitoring radiation exposure, they are more relevant for healthcare workers who may be exposed to radiation, not for patients receiving external radiation therapy. The patient themselves are not a source of radiation exposure.

Choice C rationale

Monitoring the patient's skin integrity is crucial because external radiation can cause skin irritation and damage. Avoiding exposure to extreme heat or cold helps prevent additional skin trauma and promotes healing.

Choice D rationale

Restricting visitors and posting radioactive precautions signs are unnecessary for patients receiving external radiation therapy. These precautions are more applicable to internal radiation therapy, where the patient may emit radiation.

A. Administer filgrastim (granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF)) as ordered. B. Keep the patient's central line insertion site clean and open to air. C. Educate the patient and family about food safety and hygiene. D. Provide a high-protein, high-calorie diet.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Administering filgrastim (G-CSF) as ordered is crucial for patients with a low ANC. Filgrastim stimulates the production of neutrophils in the bone marrow, helping to reduce the risk of infections. For a patient with an ANC of 500/mm³, which indicates severe neutropenia, this intervention can significantly enhance the immune response and decrease susceptibility to infections.

Choice B rationale

Keeping the patient's central line insertion site clean and open to air is incorrect and could increase the risk of infection. Central line sites must be covered with a sterile dressing to prevent bacterial contamination and infection. Open exposure to air can introduce pathogens, especially in a patient with neutropenia.

Choice C rationale

Educating the patient and family about food safety and hygiene is essential for preventing infections in patients with neutropenia. Proper food handling and hygiene practices reduce the risk of bacterial and other infections. This education can help patients and their families implement measures to protect the patient from potential sources of infection.

Choice D rationale

Providing a high-protein, high-calorie diet is appropriate for supporting the patient's overall health and recovery. High-protein and high-calorie foods support the body's immune function, repair tissues, and maintain energy levels. Proper nutrition is vital for patients with leukemia to help them cope with the demands of their illness and treatment.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for Addisonian crisis.What clinical change indicates to the nurse that the prescribed therapy was effective?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a patient receiving external radiation for lung cancer.What nursing considerations will the nurse implement to reduce the risks related to this treatment?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient with leukemia who has an absolute neutrophil count (ANC) of 500/mm³. What interventions will the nurse include in the plan of care for this patient related to this finding? Select All That Apply.

Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]

Explanation

The nurse is caring for a patient who is admitted to a surgical unit after a thyroidectomy.The nurse takes and maintains the inflated blood pressure cuff on the patient and observes a carpopedal spasm.What does this result indicate to the nurse?

The nurse is caring for a patient with Graves Disease and anemia who had a thyroidectomy two days ago.Based on the laboratory results below, which medication will the nurse administer first? Creatinine 1.2 mg/dL. Calcium 8.5 mg/dL. Hemoglobin 12 g/dL. Hematocrit 36%.

A client with severe malnutrition is admitted to the hospital.Which intervention should the nurse implement first?

The nurse is assessing a patient with metastatic prostate cancer who was admitted with sudden onset of back pain, lower extremity weakness, difficulty walking, and paresthesia in their toes.What intervention will the nurse implement for this patient?

The nurse is evaluating a patient with hyperthyroidism who is taking propylthiouracil (PTU) 100 mg/day for maintenance therapy.Which statement from the patient indicates the medication therapy is effective?

The nurse is planning the care of a patient with hyperthyroidism.What should the nurse specify in the patient's meal plan?

The nurse is discussing dietary changes with a patient newly diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism.Which will the nurse encourage the patient to include in their diet?

The nurse is caring for a patient who has a new prescription for levothyroxine.The nurse will include in the teaching plan that levothyroxine decreases the action of which medication?

The nurse is caring for a patient who was treated for Addisonian crisis.
What clinical change indicates to the nurse that the prescribed therapy was effective?