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
An increase in B-lymphocytes and IgM is not how HIV suppresses the immune system. B-lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies, and IgM is a type of antibody. HIV primarily affects T-lymphocytes, specifically helper T-cells (CD4 cells), rather than B-lymphocytes.
Choice B rationale
The destruction of helper T-cells and CD4 cells is the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. HIV targets and infects these cells, leading to their depletion. Helper T-cells play a crucial role in coordinating the immune response, and their loss results in a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and diseases.
Choice C rationale
A deficiency of cytotoxic T cells is not the primary mechanism by which HIV suppresses the immune system. Cytotoxic T cells (CD8 cells) are involved in directly killing infected cells, but the main impact of HIV is on helper T-cells (CD4 cells), which are essential for orchestrating the immune response.
Choice D rationale
The proliferation of suppressor T-cells is not how HIV suppresses the immune system. Suppressor T-cells (regulatory T cells) help regulate and control the immune response, but HIV primarily affects helper T-cells (CD4 cells), leading to their destruction and a weakened immune system.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Total protein levels are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. While important, they do not provide immediate insight into the client’s current condition.
Choice B rationale
Sodium levels are crucial for overall health but are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Monitoring sodium is important for fluid balance but not for diagnosing anemia.
Choice C rationale
Glucose levels are essential for managing diabetes and other metabolic conditions but are not directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Monitoring glucose is important for overall health but not for diagnosing anemia.
Choice D rationale
Hemoglobin levels are directly related to the symptoms of pallor and fatigue. Diclofenac, an NSAID, can cause gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to anemia. Therefore, reviewing hemoglobin levels is crucial in this scenario.