The practical nurse (PN) is caring for a patient with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI). The patient reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia.
The PN observes the patient’s respirations are 30 breaths/minute.
Which laboratory result is most important for the PN to review?
Liver function tests.
Arterial blood gases.
Complete blood count.
Basic metabolic panel.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
The patient is receiving a nucleoside/nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) for HIV
treatment and reports experiencing malaise, fatigue, and anorexia. These symptoms, along
with the observed increased respiratory rate, could be indicative of liver toxicity, a known
potential side effect of NRTIs. Therefore, reviewing liver function tests would be most
important in this case.
Choice B rationale
While arterial blood gases can provide valuable information about a patient’s respiratory
status, they may not be the most relevant in this context. The patient’s symptoms and the side
effect profile of NRTIs suggest that liver function may be a more pressing concern.
Choice C rationale
A complete blood count (CBC) can provide a broad overview of a patient’s general health, but it
may not provide the specific information needed to assess the patient’s current symptoms and
potential medication side effects.
Choice D rationale
A basic metabolic panel can provide information about a patient’s kidney function, electrolyte
levels, and blood sugar levels, among other things. However, given the patient’s symptoms and
medication regimen, liver function tests may be more relevant.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D. Rationale:
Rivaroxaban is an anticoagulant medication used to treat and prevent blood clots. One of the common side effects of rivaroxaban is bruising. This occurs because rivaroxaban prevents blood clots by thinning the blood, which can lead to increased bleeding and bruising. If a patient on rivaroxaban presents with the appearance of bruising in arms and legs, it could indicate excessive bleeding, which is a serious side effect that should be reported immediately.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Pill-rolling hand motions are a common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This is a type of tremor where the thumb and fingers rub together in a circular motion as if rolling a pill. This is not a contraindication to administering carbidopa-levodopa.
Choice B rationale
Anorexia, or loss of appetite, could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition or a side effect of the medication. This would require further assessment before administering the medication.
Choice C rationale
A flat affect, or reduced emotional expressiveness, is another common symptom of Parkinson’s disease. This would not typically require further assessment before administering carbidopa- levodopa.
Choice D rationale
Dizziness can be a side effect of carbidopa-levodopa. However, it would not typically require further assessment before administering the medication unless it was severe or persistent.
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