A 36-year-old female patient is receiving treatment for chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon (PEG-Intron, Pegasys), ribavirin (Rebetol), and telaprevir (Incivek). Which finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider?
a. Weight loss of 2 lb (1 kg)
b. Positive urine pregnancy test
c. Hemoglobin level of 10.4 g/dL
d. Complaints of nausea and anorexia
b. Positive urine pregnancy test
Because ribavirin is teratogenic, the medication will need to be discontinued immediately. Anemia, weight loss, and nausea are common adverse effects of the prescribed regimen and may require actions such as patient teaching, but they would not require immediate cessation of the therapy.
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During the initial assessment of a very thin patient at the eye clinic, the nurse notes that the patient has very prominent eyes. The nurse should inquire about a history of:
1. diabetes. 2. glomerulonephritis. 3. Graves' disease. 4. hypertension.
A client with MS is being taught self-care measures to prevent constipation. The nurse would realize goals for teaching had been met when the client states he/she will avoid
a. a high-fiber diet. b. citrus fruits. c. laxatives. d. stool softeners.
Which client statement alerts the nurse to the possibility of hypothyroidism?
a. "My sister has thyroid problems." b. "I seem to feel the heat more than other people." c. "Food just doesn't taste good without a lot of salt." d. "I am always tired, even with 10 or 12 hours of sleep."
Sinus bradycardia (rate 56 beats per minute) is identified in a sleeping patient on telemetry. Which is the priority nursing action?
1. Assess the patient's tolerance of the rhythm. 2. Call the physician and report this dysrhythmia. 3. Check the medication administration record and see if there is a PRN medication that will improve this rhythm. 4. Call for an immediate 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG).