The nurse is caring for a patient who is HIV positive and has a previous history of drug and alcohol abuse. The patient is being treated with combination therapies, including didanosine (Videx)
Which laboratory findings would most concern the nurse? a. Increased serum amylase triglycerides and decreased serum calcium
b. Decreased serum amylase and serum triglycerides and increased serum calcium
c. Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit
d. Increased serum amylase, decreased triglycerides, and increased platelets
A
The nurse should be concerned about increased serum amylase triglycerides and a decreased se-rum calcium, which are symptoms of pancreatitis, the major adverse effect of didanosine.
These other laboratory test results and assessment findings are not consistent with pancreatitis and are not a concern for the nurse.
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The nurse is teaching a client how to increase the flow of dialysate into the peritoneal cavity during dialysis. Which statement by the client demonstrates a correct understanding of the teaching?
a. "I should leave the drainage bag above the level of my abdomen." b. "I could flush the tubing with normal saline if the flow stops." c. "I should take a stool softener every morning to avoid constipation." d. "My diet should have low fiber in it to prevent any irritation."
The nurse is assessing an 88-year-old client who was recently admitted to the hospital for repair of a fractured hip, which occurred this morning after a fall
In reviewing the medication history it is discovered that the client is on 22 different prescribed medications and states she sees five different healthcare providers for her care. Some of the medications are similar in their indication and usage. The nurse determines from this information that the client has A) multiple conditions requiring all of the medications prescribed. B) a situation of polypharmacy, and a detailed history of all drugs is warranted. C) cognitive impairment, and the client just does not remember what drugs she is taking. D) the fall was unrelated to the medications prescribed.
The nurse is caring for a child with congestive heart failure and is administering the drug digoxin. Why is digitalization done at the beginning of treatment for this health problem?
A) To decrease the pain to a tolerable level B) To increase the heart rate C) To establish a maintenance dose of the drug D) To build the blood levels to a therapeutic level
A newly admitted patient reports a penicillin allergy. The prescriber has ordered a second-generation cephalosporin as part of the therapy. Which of the nursing actions below is appropriate?
A. Call the prescriber to clarify the order because of the patient's allergy. B. Give the medication and monitor for adverse effects C. Ask the pharmacy to change the order to a first-generation cephalosporin. D. Administer the drug with a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory to reduce adverse effects