A patient who has been prescribed verapamil (Calan) develops skin lesions, itching, achy joints, and a temperature of 101? F. What is the nurse's best action?
a. Administer the as-needed dose of diphenhydramine (Benadryl).
b. Contact the prescriber and request an order for acetaminophen 650 mg.
c. Draw a set of blood cultures to detect any infection.
d. Hold the drug and notify the prescriber.
D
Skin lesions, itching, achy joints, and fever are signs of Stevens-Johnson syndrome, an adverse effect of class IV antidysrhythmic drugs (calcium channel blockers). These symptoms should be reported immediately to the prescriber and the drug should be held because this syndrome has the potential to be fatal.
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A patient with a diagnosis of hepatitis C is being treated in the medical unit of the hospital and has experienced a downward trend in albumin levels. In light of this diagnostic finding, what assessments should the nurse prioritize?
A) Assessment of the patient's integumentary system and assessment for skin breakdown on dependent surfaces B) Assessment of the patient's fluid balance and assessment for third-spacing and edema C) Assessment of the patient's urine output, creatinine levels, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels D) Assessment for signs and symptoms of metabolic acidosis and metabolic alkalosis
When instructing a client how to perform fetal movement counting, what directions should the nurse include?
a. Record start time. Count until four move-ments are palpated, and record stop time. b. Count fetal movements anytime during the day. c. Notify the physician if less than three fetal movements occur within 1 hour. d. Fetal movements are best felt before meal-time.
A protein-containing substance secreted directly into the bloodstream to regulate body processes is called a(n):
1. Enzyme 2. Hormone 3. Antibody 4. Nucleoprotein
The nurse instructs the client to avoid which over-the-counter products when taking theophylline (Theo-Dur)?
a. acetaminophen (Tylenol) b. echinacea c. diphenhydramine (Benadryl) d. St. John's wort