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 B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring for weight gain is not a primary concern with pramlintide. Pramlintide is an amylin analog used to control postprandial blood glucose levels. Weight gain is not a typical side effect of pramlintide; instead, it may cause weight loss due to its effects on appetite suppression and delayed gastric emptying.
Choice B rationale
Monitoring for hypoglycemia for 3 hours after pramlintide administration is crucial. Pramlintide can increase the risk of insulin-induced hypoglycemia, especially in patients with type 1 diabetes. This is because pramlintide slows gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon secretion, which can lead to lower blood glucose levels.
Choice C rationale
Injecting pramlintide in the upper arm is not recommended. Pramlintide should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh, not the upper arm, to ensure proper absorption and effectiveness.
Choice D rationale
Administering pramlintide 30 minutes prior to a meal is incorrect. Pramlintide should be administered immediately before meals to help control postprandial blood glucose levels effectively.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Expecting to have drowsiness while taking this medication is a common side effect of many seizure medications. However, it is not an indication of understanding the teaching about seizure medication management.
Choice B rationale
Taking an extra dose of the medication if a dose is missed is incorrect. Patients should not take an extra dose if they miss one. They should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions on what to do if a dose is missed.
Choice C rationale
Having blood checked to monitor the medication level indicates an understanding of the teaching. Monitoring blood levels of seizure medications is important to ensure therapeutic levels and avoid toxicity.
Choice D rationale
Taking the medication with an antacid to prevent indigestion is incorrect. Antacids can interfere with the absorption of some seizure medications.