A nurse is reviewing the lab work of a client on a medical-surgical unit who has a new prescription for captopril. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse identify as the priority to monitor?
Alanine aminotransferase
Thyroid-stimulating hormone
Potassium
Magnesium
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Monitoring alanine aminotransferase is important for liver function, but it is not the priority for a client on captopril.
B. Thyroid-stimulating hormone is not directly impacted by captopril and is not the priority lab value to monitor in this context.
C. Potassium is the priority laboratory value to monitor because captopril, an ACE inhibitor, can lead to hyperkalemia (elevated potassium levels), which can cause serious cardiac complications.
D. While magnesium levels are important to monitor, they are not specifically related to captopril therapy as potassium levels are.
Free Nursing Test Bank
- Free Pharmacology Quiz 1
- Free Medical-Surgical Quiz 2
- Free Fundamentals Quiz 3
- Free Maternal-Newborn Quiz 4
- Free Anatomy and Physiology Quiz 5
- Free Obstetrics and Pediatrics Quiz 6
- Free Fluid and Electrolytes Quiz 7
- Free Community Health Quiz 8
- Free Promoting Health across the Lifespan Quiz 9
- Free Multidimensional Care Quiz 10
View Related questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Nitrofurantoin can cause brown-colored urine due to its pigment, and clients should be informed to report this as a common side effect and not a cause for alarm.
B. Nitrofurantoin is an antibiotic used to treat urinary tract infections and does not provide relief for peripheral nerve pain.
C. Nitrofurantoin should not be crushed, as it can affect the medication's absorption and effectiveness.
D. A cough is not a typical side effect of nitrofurantoin; however, if the client develops a cough, it could be a sign of a serious side effect, and they should notify the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Albuterol: This is a bronchodilator that can cause side effects such as increased heart rate and chest pain due to its stimulant effect on the cardiovascular system.
B. Furosemide: This diuretic is unlikely to cause chest pain directly; however, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances that can indirectly affect cardiac function.
C. Digoxin: While digoxin has several potential side effects, chest pain is not commonly recognized as a direct adverse effect of this medication.
D. Atenolol: This medication is a beta-blocker used to manage hypertension and is unlikely to cause chest pain; rather, it may help alleviate angina symptoms.