Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been taking isoniazid to treat tuberculosis. The healthcare professional should monitor the client for which of the following findings as an adverse effect of the medication?

• A. Diarrhea
• B. Blurred vision
• C. Hearing loss
• D. Jaundice

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Correct. Jaundice is a serious adverse effect of isoniazid due to liver damage. It is essential to monitor for signs of liver toxicity, such as jaundice, while the client is on this medication. Diarrhea is a common side effect of isoniazid, but it is not as serious as liver damage. Blurred vision and hearing loss are not typically associated with isoniazid use.

2. A client who has been taking prednisone is being assessed by a nurse. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Hyperglycemia
• C. Dry mouth
• D. Increased appetite

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Hyperglycemia is a significant finding in a client taking prednisone as it indicates the medication's impact on glucose metabolism. Prednisone can lead to increased blood sugar levels, which can be detrimental, especially in clients with diabetes or predisposition to hyperglycemia. Reporting hyperglycemia promptly to the healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and management to prevent complications. Choices A, C, and D are common side effects of prednisone but are not as concerning as hyperglycemia, which requires immediate attention to avoid potential adverse effects.

3. A client has a new prescription for heparin. Which of the following laboratory results should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Prothrombin time (PT)
• B. International normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• D. Platelet count

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) is the laboratory result that should be monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of heparin. Heparin works by prolonging the aPTT, and monitoring this parameter helps ensure the medication's effectiveness and safety in preventing clot formation. Prothrombin time (PT) and International normalized ratio (INR) are used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin, another anticoagulant. Platelet count is essential to assess platelet function and clotting disorders, but it is not specifically used to monitor heparin therapy.

4. A client with a history of atrial fibrillation is prescribed warfarin (Coumadin). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor to assess the effectiveness of the medication?

• A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
• B. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
• C. Platelet count
• D. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are the laboratory values used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. These values help ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range for anticoagulation. PT measures the time it takes for blood to clot, while INR standardizes PT results to minimize variations between laboratories. Monitoring these values is crucial to prevent complications such as bleeding or clot formation. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (Choice A) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy. Platelet count (Choice C) assesses the number of platelets in the blood and is not specific to warfarin therapy. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) (Choice D) is a non-specific marker of inflammation and is not used to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy.

5. A healthcare professional is assessing a client who is taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

• A. Weight gain
• B. Dry cough
• C. Hypokalemia
• D. Bradycardia

Correct answer: D

Rationale: Bradycardia is a significant finding in a client taking digoxin as it is a sign of digoxin toxicity. Bradycardia can indicate that the client is experiencing an adverse reaction to the medication, potentially leading to serious complications. Therefore, it is crucial for the healthcare professional to report bradycardia to the provider promptly for further evaluation and intervention. Weight gain, dry cough, and hypokalemia are not typically associated with digoxin toxicity and may have other underlying causes. While weight gain and cough can be monitored, bradycardia requires immediate attention due to its potential link to digoxin toxicity.

Similar Questions