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.
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 A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
The severity of nausea and vomiting and serum amylase results are crucial in diagnosing and managing pancreatitis. Elevated serum amylase levels are a key indicator of pancreatitis, and the severity of nausea and vomiting can help assess the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
Choice B rationale
Reports of chronic constipation and serum gastrin levels are not directly related to the acute management of pancreatitis. Chronic constipation is more associated with gastrointestinal motility disorders, and serum gastrin levels are typically measured in conditions like Zollinger-Ellison syndrome.
Choice C rationale
Serum Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) antibody results and urine output amounts are not directly relevant to the acute management of pancreatitis. H. pylori is associated with peptic ulcer disease, and urine output is more relevant in assessing renal function.
Choice D rationale
The presence of bowel sounds and the degree of abdominal pain are important but not as specific as serum amylase levels in diagnosing pancreatitis. Bowel sounds can be affected by various conditions, and abdominal pain is a common symptom in many gastrointestinal disorders.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Flatulence is not a specific indicator of a serious complication related to a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct.
Choice B rationale
Amber urine is normal and does not indicate a serious complication.
Choice C rationale
Belching is not a specific indicator of a serious complication related to a gallstone lodged in the common bile duct.
Choice D rationale
Yellow sclera indicates jaundice, which is a sign of bile duct obstruction and requires immediate medical attention.