Which problem reported by a client taking lovastatin requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse?
Diarrhea and flatulence.
Muscle pain.
Altered taste.
Abdominal cramps.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
Diarrhea and flatulence are common side effects of statin medications like lovastatin but are typically not considered emergencies. They may be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.
Choice B rationale:
Muscle pain, especially if severe, requires the most immediate follow-up by the nurse. Muscle pain can be a symptom of a rare but serious side effect called rhabdomyolysis, which can lead to muscle breakdown and potential kidney damage. Prompt assessment and intervention are necessary if severe muscle pain occurs.
Choice C rationale:
Altered taste is a side effect of lovastatin but is generally not considered a medical emergency. It may affect the client's quality of life but does not require immediate follow-up.
Choice D rationale:
Abdominal cramps may occur as a side effect of lovastatin, but they are not typically considered an emergency. Like choice A, abdominal cramps can often be managed with dietary adjustments or over-the-counter remedies.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Stomatitis refers to the inflammation of the mouth and oral mucosa, which can cause pain and difficulty swallowing. In the context of a client receiving chemotherapy, stomatitis is a common side effect that can occur due to the effects of chemotherapy on rapidly dividing cells, including those in the oral cavity. When a client develops stomatitis, it is important for the practical nurse (PN) to obtain information about the client's ability to swallow during a focused assessment. This is because stomatitis can significantly impact a client's ability to eat and drink comfortably, which can lead to dehydration and malnutrition. Assessing the client's ability to swallow helps determine the extent of the issue and guides appropriate interventions and support.
Let's briefly evaluate the other options:
a) Urinary output.
Urinary output is not directly related to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity, and its impact on urinary output is minimal or nonexistent. While monitoring urinary output is important for assessing hydration status, it is not the priority in this situation.
c) Frequency of bowel movements.
The frequency of bowel movements is unrelated to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the mouth, and its presence does not directly influence bowel movements. Assessing bowel movements may be relevant for other concerns, but it is not specifically related to stomatitis.
d) Blood pressure while standing.
Blood pressure while standing, also known as orthostatic blood pressure, is not directly relevant to stomatitis. Stomatitis primarily affects the oral cavity and does not typically have a direct impact on blood pressure. Assessing blood pressure while standing may be appropriate for other health concerns, such as orthostatic hypotension, but it is not the priority in this situation.
In summary, when a client receiving chemotherapy develops stomatitis, the practical nurse should focus on assessing the client's ability to swallow as it directly relates to the impact of stomatitis on the client's nutrition and hydration.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Serum sodium level. Rationale: While electrolyte imbalances can be significant, in the context of purulent drainage at a postoperative site, monitoring serum sodium levels is not the top priority. Other laboratory values are more relevant in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Hematocrit. Rationale: Hematocrit measures the proportion of red blood cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.
Choice C rationale:
Neutrophil count. Rationale: Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that plays a key role in the body's immune response, particularly against bacterial infections. Elevated neutrophil counts can indicate an ongoing infection, so monitoring this value is important when assessing purulent wound drainage.
Choice D rationale:
Platelet count. Rationale: Platelet count measures the number of blood clotting cells in the blood and is not directly related to wound drainage or infection. It is not the most relevant parameter to assess in this situation.
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