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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Magnesium 2.5 mEq/L: A magnesium level slightly above the normal range does not indicate an immediate need to discontinue clozapine, as this level is not related to the adverse effects of the drug.
B. Potassium 5.4 mEq/L: While elevated potassium levels can pose a health risk, this is not a direct indicator to discontinue clozapine. Potassium levels can be managed with other interventions.
C. WBC 2,500/mm³: Clozapine carries a risk of agranulocytosis, a condition where the white blood cell (WBC) count becomes dangerously low, leading to severe infection risk. A WBC count of 2,500/mm³ is below the normal range and indicates the need to discontinue clozapine immediately.
D. Sodium 134 mEq/L: A slightly low sodium level is not typically related to clozapine use and does not warrant discontinuation of the medication.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Mostly cloudy: This option does not refer to a medication and is therefore irrelevant in this context.
B. Acyclovir: This is the correct medication for treating varicella-zoster virus, as it is an antiviral drug effective in managing symptoms and reducing the duration of the infection.
C. Vancomycin: This antibiotic is used to treat serious bacterial infections and is not indicated for viral infections like varicella-zoster.
D. Gentamicin: This is an aminoglycoside antibiotic that is ineffective against viral infections and is used primarily for bacterial infections.
E. Quinine: This medication is used to treat malaria and is not relevant for varicella-zoster virus treatment.