Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) is ordered for a patient with hyperkalemia. Before administering the medication, the nurse should assess the
a. bowel sounds.
b. blood glucose.
c. blood urea nitrogen (BUN).
d. level of consciousness (LOC).
ANS: A
Sodium polystyrene sulfonate (Kayexalate) should not be given to a patient with a paralytic ileus (as indicated by absent bowel sounds) because bowel necrosis can occur. The BUN and creatinine, blood glucose, and LOC would not affect the nurse's decision to give the medication.
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A patient taking opioid medication for metastatic bone cancer asks the nurse why he is able to tolerate such large doses of the medication over time. What is the nurse's best response?
A) "Over time you become more tolerant of the drug." B) "You are immune to the effects of the drug." C) "You may have formed an addiction to the drug." D) "Your body absorbs less of the drug due to the cancer."
During the maintenance phase of treatment, a patient with bipolar disorder asks, "Do I have to keep taking lithium even though my mood is stable now?" Select the nurse's best response
a. "Do you feel you are ready to stop taking it?" b. "Taking the medication daily helps prevent future relapses and recurrences.". c. "Usually patients take medication for approximately 6 months after discharge.". d. "It's unusual that the health care provider hasn't already stopped your medication.".
Nurses are viewed as role models by students
Indicate whether the statement is true or false
The nurse in the clinic instructs a client using the natural method of contraception to begin counting the first day of her cycle as which day?
1. The day her menstrual period ceases 2. The first day after her menstrual period ceases 3. The first day of her menstrual period 4. The day of ovulation