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 B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. "Remove the patch for two to four hours daily.": This is incorrect because transdermal nitroglycerin patches should be worn continuously for 24 hours, with a scheduled time to remove them (usually overnight) to prevent tolerance.
B. "Apply a new patch each day after waking up.": This instruction is correct; clients should apply a new patch daily to ensure continuous therapeutic effects while also allowing a break to reduce tolerance.
C. "Cover the patch with plastic wrap.": This is incorrect; covering the patch with plastic wrap can alter the absorption of the medication and is not necessary.
D. "Replace the existing patch with a new patch as soon as anginal pain begins.": This is incorrect; clients should not replace the patch immediately for angina. Instead, they should use sublingual nitroglycerin for immediate relief and follow the prescribed patch schedule.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Acetylcysteine is not indicated for gastrointestinal bleeding; other treatments are used for that condition.
B. Acute bronchospasm is treated with bronchodilators rather than acetylcysteine.
C. Morphine toxicity requires other interventions, such as opioid antagonists (e.g., naloxone), and acetylcysteine is not effective in this case.
D. Acetylcysteine is specifically indicated for acetaminophen toxicity as it acts as an antidote, replenishing glutathione stores and preventing liver damage from toxic metabolites.