Based on the new medication orders, which blood test or tests should be monitored carefully?
Explain your answer.
Potassium levels need to be monitored, for several reasons. The diuretic causes potassium to be
excreted along with sodium and water, thus the potassium supplement is ordered. However, the ACE
inhibitor causes retention of potassium and can lead to hyperkalemia. Last, patients who are taking
digoxin need to have potassium levels monitored as well as periodic digoxin levels. If potassium
levels get low, the hypokalemia can make the patient more susceptible to digoxin toxicity. Digoxin
levels must be monitored carefully because digoxin toxicity can lead to serious complications.
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Before LPNs can delegate a function to the CNA, they must:
1. assess the patient carefully. 2. evaluate the patient carefully. 3. plan the care for the patient. 4. write out instructions for the CNA.
A patient who was diagnosed with the flu is demonstrating rapid, shallow respirations. The nurse should be concerned that the patient is at risk for developing which condition?
1. atelectasis 2. pneumonia 3. dehydration 4. increased tidal volume
The age range for an infant is defined as which of the following time spans?
a. newborn to 3 months c. 1 month to 1 year b. newborn to 6 months d. 3 months to 15 months
The nurse is cleansing a wound site. As the nurse administers the procedure, which intervention should be included?
a. Allow the solution to flow from the most contaminated to the least contaminated. b. Scrub vigorously when applying noncytotoxic solution to the skin. c. Cleanse in a direction from the least contaminated area. d. Utilize clean gauze and clean gloves to cleanse a site.