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. 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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Applying a warming blanket is not appropriate and may worsen the client’s reaction to the infusion. It does not help prevent infusion-related reactions.
B. Infusing amphotericin B deoxycholate over 1 hour is too fast; the medication should be infused over 2-6 hours to reduce the risk of adverse effects.
C. Administering diphenhydramine prior to administration is recommended to help prevent infusion-related reactions, such as fever and chills, which the client experienced during previous infusions.
D. Monitoring vital signs once per hour is inadequate; vital signs should be monitored more frequently during and immediately after the infusion to promptly identify and manage any adverse reactions.