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.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Leuprolide decreases the production of testosterone.": Leuprolide is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that works by reducing testosterone production, which is essential for the growth of prostate cancer cells. This mechanism slows the progression of the cancer.
B. "Leuprolide kills cells at all stages of cellular division.": This describes how chemotherapy drugs work, but leuprolide does not function by directly killing cancer cells at different stages of their division.
C. "Leuprolide increases estrogen levels in your body to counteract the cancer cells.": Leuprolide does not increase estrogen levels. Instead, it reduces testosterone levels, which is more effective in managing prostate cancer.
D. "Leuprolide suppresses the pituitary gland's production of growth hormone to decrease cancer cellular growth.": Leuprolide suppresses the production of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), not growth hormone, to decrease testosterone levels.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A heart rate of 105/min is slightly elevated, but it does not require immediate intervention unless the client is symptomatic or has other concerning signs.
B. Infiltration of the peripheral IV requires immediate intervention, as it can lead to tissue damage and prevent the medication from being effectively delivered. The nurse should stop the infusion, assess the site, and take appropriate action.
C. Increased blood pressure is a common effect of dopamine administration and does not necessarily require urgent intervention unless it becomes critically high or is associated with other adverse symptoms.
D. Occasional PVCs can occur during dopamine infusion and can be monitored unless they become frequent or symptomatic; they typically do not require immediate intervention.