Which information obtained by the nurse in the clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?

Patient's blood pressure is 148/84 mm Hg.

Patient has not been taking the prescribed vitamin D.

Patient stopped taking the prednisone abruptly 2 days ago.

Patient has bilateral 2+ pitting ankle edema.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: An elevated blood pressure of 148/84 mm Hg is significant and could be related to prednisone use, as corticosteroids can increase blood pressure. However, this finding alone is not as urgent as the abrupt cessation of prednisone, which can lead to adrenal insufficiency and other serious complications.
Choice B reason: Not taking prescribed vitamin D is important, especially in long-term corticosteroid therapy, as vitamin D helps mitigate the risk of bone density loss. However, this issue is not as immediately critical as abruptly stopping prednisone.
Choice C reason: Stopping prednisone abruptly after taking it for 3 weeks is critical information that must be reported to the healthcare provider immediately. Prednisone is a corticosteroid that suppresses the adrenal glands' ability to produce natural steroids. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency, which can be life-threatening. Symptoms of adrenal insufficiency include severe fatigue, weakness, body aches, low blood pressure, and potential shock. Gradual tapering is required to allow the adrenal glands to recover and resume natural steroid production.
Choice D reason: Bilateral 2+ pitting ankle edema is a notable finding and may indicate fluid retention, which can be a side effect of prednisone. While it is important and requires monitoring, it does not carry the same immediate risk as the abrupt cessation of the medication.

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Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","G"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Consulting with the speech-language pathologist for a swallowing evaluation is essential because the client has occasional dysphagia. Swallowing difficulties can lead to aspiration and other complications, and a proper evaluation can help determine the safest diet and interventions.
Choice B reason: Placing the client on the hospital's fall precautions protocol is crucial due to the client's orthostatic hypotension and use of a walker. These factors increase the risk of falls, and implementing fall precautions can help prevent injuries.
Choice C reason: Obtaining a prescription for a different antihypertensive medication is not indicated in this scenario. There is no information provided that suggests the current medication is inappropriate or ineffective. The focus should be on managing the client's orthostatic hypotension with non-pharmacological interventions.
Choice D reason: Reminding the nursing staff to place the client in a sitting position during meals is important to reduce the risk of aspiration due to dysphagia. Sitting upright can help ensure that food and liquids are swallowed safely.
Choice E reason: Referring the client for physical and occupational therapy evaluations is necessary to address the client's functional mobility and ability to perform ADLs. These therapies can help optimize the client's independence and safety.
Choice F reason: Placing the client on a liquid diet to prevent choking is not appropriate without a swallowing evaluation. The speech-language pathologist should determine the safest diet based on the client's specific needs and swallowing abilities.
Choice G reason: Performing orthostatic blood pressure checks is important for monitoring and managing the client's orthostatic hypotension. Regular checks can help identify changes in blood pressure and guide interventions to prevent falls and related complications.

A. CT or MRI B. Patient history and cognitive assessment C. Brain biopsy D. Electroencephalogram

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: While CT or MRI scans can be helpful in identifying structural changes in the brain associated with dementia, such as atrophy or the presence of strokes, they are not sufficient on their own to diagnose dementia. These imaging techniques are often used to rule out other causes of cognitive impairment and to support a clinical diagnosis, but they do not provide a complete picture of a patient's cognitive function.
Choice B reason: Patient history and cognitive assessment are the primary methods for diagnosing dementia. The clinical diagnosis is based on a thorough evaluation of the patient's medical history, including any changes in cognitive function, behavior, and daily living activities. Cognitive assessments, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) or Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), are used to evaluate memory, attention, language, and other cognitive abilities. These assessments help to determine the presence and severity of cognitive impairment and differentiate dementia from other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.
Choice C reason: A brain biopsy is not a standard procedure for diagnosing dementia. It is an invasive procedure that involves taking a small sample of brain tissue for examination under a microscope. While it can provide definitive information about certain types of dementia, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, it is rarely used due to its invasiveness and associated risks.
Choice D reason: An electroencephalogram (EEG) is a test that measures electrical activity in the brain. It can be useful in diagnosing certain neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, but it is not typically used to diagnose dementia. EEGs do not provide detailed information about cognitive function or the structural changes in the brain associated with dementia.

View Question and Answer

Test	Result	Normal Range
ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase)	1.200 U/L	7-56 U/L
AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase)	1.000 U/L	10-40 U/L
Total Bilirubin	5.5 mg/dL	0.1-1.2 mg/dL
Hepatitis A IgM	Positive	Negative

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Which information obtained by the nurse in the clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","G"]

Explanation

The clinical diagnosis of dementia is based on

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

What test results would indicate hyperthyroidism? Select all that apply.

In a severely anemic patient, which assessment findings would the nurse expect to find?

How is Addison disease treated and clinically managed?

Which patient statement indicates to the nurse that further instruction is needed about chronic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)?

A patient who is disoriented and reports a headache and muscle cramps is hospitalized with syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone (SIADH). Which initial laboratory result would the nurse expect?