The proton pump inhibitor Esomeprazole (Nexium) is prescribed for a client who incurred extensive burn injuries 5 days ago. Which nursing assessment would best evaluate the effectiveness of the drug?
Bowel sounds.
Stool frequency.
Abdominal distention.
Fecal occult blood test.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason:
Bowel sounds are a general indicator of intestinal activity and can be assessed in patients with various conditions. However, they are not specific to the effectiveness of Esomeprazole, which is primarily used to reduce gastric acid production and prevent stress ulcers, particularly in patients with burn injuries⁷.
Choice B reason:
Stool frequency may indicate gastrointestinal motility and function but does not directly assess the effectiveness of Esomeprazole. This drug's main role is to decrease stomach acidity, which would not necessarily change stool frequency unless there was a pre-existing issue related to acid production⁷.
Choice C reason:
Abdominal distention can be caused by a variety of factors, including gas, fluid, or enlargement of organs. While it's important to monitor in burn patients, it does not specifically evaluate the effectiveness of Esomeprazole in preventing gastric acid-related complications⁷.
Choice D reason:
A fecal occult blood test is used to detect bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, which could signify the development of stress ulcers. Since Esomeprazole is prescribed to prevent such ulcers by reducing stomach acid, this test is a direct measure of the drug's effectiveness in burn patients⁷.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Albuterol is a bronchodilator used to relieve breathing difficulties, which are common in cystic fibrosis.
Choice B reason: Loperamide is an anti-diarrheal medication and is not typically used in the management of cystic fibrosis.
Choice C reason: Tobramycin is an antibiotic that can be nebulized to treat lung infections in cystic fibrosis patients.
Choice D reason: Dornase alfa is an enzyme that helps to thin mucus, improving lung function in cystic fibrosis patients.
Choice E reason: Fat-soluble vitamins are essential in cystic fibrosis due to malabsorption issues associated with the disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: A sweat chloride content of 85 mEq/L is indicative of cystic fibrosis, as normal values are below 30 mEq/L, and values above 60 mEq/L are diagnostic for cystic fibrosis.
Choice B reason: Hard, packed stools could be a sign of cystic fibrosis but are not as diagnostic as a sweat chloride test.
Choice C reason: Increased blood levels of fat-soluble vitamins are not typically associated with cystic fibrosis; patients often have deficiencies due to malabsorption.
Choice D reason: A chest x-ray negative for atelectasis does not indicate cystic fibrosis, as atelectasis can be present in many conditions.
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