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 C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Bradycardia: Albuterol can cause an increase in heart rate (tachycardia) as a common side effect, not a decrease in heart rate, so bradycardia would not be expected.
B. Wheezing: Albuterol is used to relieve wheezing by causing bronchodilation, so continued wheezing after administration would suggest ineffective treatment rather than being an expected finding.
C. Tremors: Tremors are a common side effect of albuterol due to its stimulation of beta-2 receptors in the muscles. This is often seen after nebulizer treatments.
D. Sleepiness: Albuterol generally causes stimulation of the central nervous system, leading to restlessness or nervousness, not sleepiness.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Furosemide is a diuretic that promotes urine production but is not indicated for treating bladder distention or urinary retention post-surgery.
B. Lorazepam is an anxiolytic medication and does not address urinary retention or bladder distention.
C. Bethanechol is a cholinergic agent that stimulates bladder contraction and is used to treat urinary retention. It helps to facilitate voiding in clients who have difficulty.
D. Atropine is an anticholinergic medication that can actually inhibit bladder contraction, making it inappropriate for this situation.