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. 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.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. A respiratory rate of 24/min is elevated and may suggest respiratory distress, but it is not a specific adverse effect of propranolol.
B. An oral temperature of 38.9° C (102° F) indicates fever, which is not a typical adverse effect of propranolol.
C. A blood pressure of 118/78 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not indicate an adverse effect of propranolol, which is often used to manage hypertension.
D. An apical pulse of 50/min indicates bradycardia, a known adverse effect of propranolol, which can occur due to its action on the heart rate.