The practical nurse (PN) learns that a client who is receiving chemotherapy has developed stomatitis. Which information should the PN obtain from the client during a focused assessment?
Urinary output.
Blood pressure while standing.
Ability to swallow.
Frequency of bowel movements.
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A rationale:
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis, which is inflammation of the mouth and throat. While monitoring urinary output is important in many situations, it is not relevant in this case.
Choice B rationale:
Blood pressure while standing is not directly related to stomatitis either. This assessment is more relevant for conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing.
Choice C rationale:
Ability to swallow is crucial in the context of stomatitis. Stomatitis can cause painful sores in the mouth, making it difficult for the client to eat or drink. Assessing the client's ability to swallow will help determine the impact of stomatitis on their nutritional intake and overall well-being.
Choice D rationale:
Frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. This assessment is more relevant for gastrointestinal issues or constipation, not for a condition affecting the mouth and throat.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B, Serum creatinine. Choice A rationale:
The white blood cell count (WBC) is an important parameter for assessing the body's immune response to infections. While it can provide valuable information about the presence of an infection, it is not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, it is not the most important laboratory value to review before administering an antibiotic that can cause nephrotoxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Serum creatinine is a crucial laboratory value to assess kidney function. It is a waste product that is filtered by the kidneys, and its level in the blood is a reliable indicator of kidney function. If the serum creatinine level is elevated, it suggests impaired kidney function, which can be a warning sign of nephrotoxicity. Reviewing the serum creatinine level before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics is essential to ensure that the client's kidneys are functioning adequately and to avoid potential harm.
Choice C rationale:
Hemoglobin and hematocrit are indicators of the client's red blood cell count and blood's oxygen-carrying capacity. While these values can provide information about the client's overall health status, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, they are not the most important laboratory values to review in this particular scenario.
Choice D rationale:
Serum calcium levels are essential for assessing bone health, nerve function, and muscle contractions. However, they are not directly related to nephrotoxicity, and reviewing serum calcium levels alone would not provide sufficient information about kidney function. Hence, it is not the most critical value to review before administering nephrotoxic antibiotics
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice B: Monitor the client's hearing. Choice A rationale:
Observing the skin for a rash is not relevant to assessing for signs of ototoxicity. Aminoglycosides can cause skin reactions, but this is not a specific sign of ototoxicity.
Choice B rationale:
Monitoring the client's hearing is essential when administering aminoglycosides because these medications can cause ototoxicity, which is damage to the inner ear and auditory nerve leading to hearing loss or tinnitus. Regular hearing assessments can help detect any changes in hearing and prompt appropriate interventions.
Choice C rationale:
Measuring the urinary output is not directly related to assessing for ototoxicity.
Aminoglycosides can cause kidney toxicity, but this is a separate concern from ototoxicity. Choice D rationale:
Checking for changes in vision is not specifically associated with aminoglycoside administration. Vision changes are not a common side effect of these medications, so it would not be a primary assessment in this situation.
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