Before administering a newly prescribed dose of terbinafine HCL to a client with a fungal toenail infection, which assessment finding is most important for the nurse to address?
Reported history of alcoholism.
Toenails appear thick and yellow.
Employed as a construction worker.
White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10⁹/L).
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
Reported history of alcoholism is the most important assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. Terbinafine is metabolized by the liver, and clients with a history of alcoholism may have impaired liver function, increasing the risk of hepatotoxicity. Monitoring liver function and assessing for signs of liver damage are crucial before starting treatment.
Choice B rationale
Toenails appear thick and yellow is a common symptom of fungal toenail infection, but it is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The focus should be on assessing liver function.
Choice C rationale
Employed as a construction worker is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. While occupational exposure to fungi may be relevant, the primary concern is liver function.
Choice D rationale
White blood cell count of 8,500/mm³ (8.5 x 10⁹/L) is within the normal range and is not the most critical assessment finding to address before administering terbinafine HCL. The primary concern is liver function.
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Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Obtaining vital signs every 2 hours is important for monitoring the patient’s overall condition, but it is not the immediate priority following the surgical removal of glass from the eye.
Choice B rationale
Providing an eye shield to be worn while sleeping is crucial to protect the eye from injury and promote healing after the surgical removal of glass. This intervention helps prevent accidental rubbing or pressure on the eye.
Choice C rationale
Teaching a family member to administer eye drops is important for ongoing care, but it is not the immediate priority following the procedure. The immediate focus should be on protecting the eye and ensuring proper healing.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging deep breathing and coughing exercises is important for preventing respiratory complications, but it is not directly related to the immediate care of the eye following the surgical removal of glass.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Monitoring daily urine output volume is important for assessing fluid balance, but it does not directly address the issue of hypernatremia. Hypernatremia is characterized by high sodium levels in the blood, and monitoring urine output alone will not help in managing sodium intake or identifying sources of excess sodium.
Choice B rationale
Using salt tablets after strenuous exercise is not recommended for clients with hypernatremia. Salt tablets can increase sodium levels further, exacerbating the condition. Hypernatremia requires careful management of sodium intake, and salt tablets would be counterproductive.
Choice C rationale
Reviewing food labels for sodium content is crucial for clients with hypernatremia. This helps them identify and avoid foods high in sodium, which can contribute to elevated sodium levels in the blood. Educating clients on reading food labels empowers them to make informed dietary choices and manage their condition effectively.
Choice D rationale
Drinking plenty of water whenever thirsty is a general recommendation for maintaining hydration, but it does not specifically address hypernatremia. Clients with hypernatremia need to focus on managing their sodium intake and ensuring they do not consume excessive amounts of sodium.