A nurse is reviewing the laboratory findings for a female client who is taking zidovudine to treat HIV. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an adverse finding associated with this medication?
Neutrophil count 650/mm³ (2,500 to 8,000/mm³).
Platelets 450,000/mm³ (150,000 to 400,000/mm³).
Hgb 17 g/dL (12 to 16 g/dL).
Creatinine 1.5 mg/dL (0.5 to 1 mg/dL).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A neutrophil count of 650/mm³ is significantly lower than the normal range (2,500 to 8,000/mm³) and indicates neutropenia, which is a known adverse effect of zidovudine. Neutropenia increases the risk of infections and requires close monitoring and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.
Choice B rationale
A platelet count of 450,000/mm³ is slightly above the normal range (150,000 to 400,000/mm³) but is not typically associated with zidovudine toxicity. Zidovudine is more commonly associated with bone marrow suppression leading to anemia and neutropenia rather than thrombocytosis.
Choice C rationale
An Hgb level of 17 g/dL is above the normal range for females (12 to 16 g/dL) but is not a common adverse effect of zidovudine. Zidovudine is more likely to cause anemia, leading to lower hemoglobin levels rather than elevated levels.
Choice D rationale
A creatinine level of 1.5 mg/dL is within the upper limit of the normal range (0.5 to 1 mg/dL) and is not a typical adverse effect of zidovudine. Zidovudine primarily affects the bone marrow and does not have a significant impact on renal function.
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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Immediate-release exenatide pens should be discarded 30 days after the first use, not two months. This ensures the medication remains effective and free from contamination.
Choice B rationale
Exenatide is administered subcutaneously, not intramuscularly. The preferred injection sites are the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
Choice C rationale
Open exenatide pens should be stored at room temperature, but this is not the most critical aspect of patient education. Proper storage ensures the medication’s stability and effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Immediate-release exenatide should be taken one hour before morning and evening meals to optimize its glucose-lowering effects by enhancing insulin secretion in response to meals.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) is an adverse effect of simvastatin therapy. Statins, including simvastatin, can cause liver damage, which is indicated by elevated liver enzymes such as ALT2.
Choice B rationale
Elevated troponin T is not typically associated with simvastatin therapy. Troponin T is a marker for cardiac muscle damage, not a common adverse effect of statins.
Choice C rationale
Elevated WBC count is not a known adverse effect of simvastatin therapy. An elevated WBC count usually indicates an infection or inflammation.
Choice D rationale
Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is not associated with simvastatin therapy. TSH levels are related to thyroid function, not the effects of statins.