Which information obtained by the nurse in the endocrine clinic about a patient who has been taking prednisone (Deltasone) 40 mg daily for 3 weeks is most important to report to the health care provider?
a. Patient's blood pressure is 148/94 mm Hg.
b. Patient has bilateral 2+ pitting ankle edema.
c. Patient stopped taking the medication 2 days ago.
d. Patient has not been taking the prescribed vitamin D.
ANS: C
Sudden cessation of corticosteroids after taking the medication for a week or more can lead to adrenal insufficiency, with problems such as severe hypotension and hypoglycemia. The patient will need immediate evaluation by the health care provider to prevent and/or treat adrenal insufficiency. The other information will also be reported, but does not require rapid treatment.
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A nurse asks the mother to undress her four-month-old infant. The nurse observes the mother taking off several layers of clothing, knowing that the outdoor temperature is 70°F. Which of these statements should the nurse make to the mother?
1. "When you leave the office, only put one layer of clothing on your baby." 2. "My, you are dressing your infant warmly today." 3. "Did you think it was it cold when you left your home this morning?" 4. "I see that you have many layers of clothing on your baby. This could cause your baby's temperature to rise."
Prayer is considered important to members of which of the following religions?
A) Christianity B) Orthodox Judaism C) Buddhism D) All of the above
The nurse is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to a toddler-age client. Which is the most appropriate statement by the nurse prior to this procedure?
1. "It is all right to cry. After we are done, you can go to the box and pick out your favorite sticker." 2. "We will give you your shot when your mommy comes back." 3. "I will wipe your skin with a magic wipe and then hold the needle like this and say ‘one, two, three, go' and give you your shot. Are you ready?" 4. "This is a magic sword that will give you your medicine and make you all better."
A child is receiving a nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Which laboratory value should the nurse include in the plan of care as needing to monitor?
1. Glucose 2. Sodium 3. Potassium 4. Red blood cell count