A client recovering from plutonium poisoning from a nuclear reactor explosion is receiving edetate calcium disodium (Calcium EDTA). What will the nurse do to support this client?

Question

Standard Text: Select all that apply.
1. Administer intravenous fluids as prescribed prior to medication administration.
2. Apply chest leads for continuous cardiac rhythm monitoring.
3. Assess blood pressure frequently.
4. Stop the infusion if the client becomes febrile.
5. Notify the health care provider if the client develops a headache or nasal congestion.

Answer 1

Correct Answer: 1,2,3
Rationale 1: Calcium EDTA may produce renal damage such as proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Treatment-induced nephrotoxicity is dose dependent and may be reduced by ensuring adequate diuresis before therapy begins.
Rationale 2: Clients should be monitored for cardiac rhythm irregularities and other electrocardiogram changes during IV therapy.
Rationale 3: This medication can cause hypotension.
Rationale 4: A febrile reaction is an expected adverse effect of this medication; the infusion does not need to be stopped.
Rationale 5: A histamine-like reaction that includes headache and nasal congestion is an expected adverse effect of this medication; the health care provider does not need to be notified.
Global Rationale: Calcium EDTA may produce renal damage such as proteinuria and microscopic hematuria. Treatment-induced nephrotoxicity is dose dependent and may be reduced by ensuring adequate diuresis before therapy begins. Clients should be monitored for cardiac rhythm irregularities and other electrocardiogram changes during IV therapy. This medication can cause hypotension. A febrile reaction is an expected adverse effect of this medication; the infusion does not need to be stopped. A histamine-like reaction that includes headache and nasal congestion is an expected adverse effect of this medication; the health care provider does not need to be notified.