Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving prazosin. The client's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?
A. Administer a reversal agent
, administering a reversal agent, is not necessary in this situation. Reversal agents are used to counteract the effects of specific medications when there is a need to rapidly reverse their actions. There is no indication in the scenario that the client requires a reversal agent.
B. Initiate cardiac monitoring
initiating cardiac monitoring, is not warranted based solely on a blood pressure reading of 100/60 mm Hg. Cardiac monitoring is typically indicated when there are specific cardiac concerns or symptoms, which are not mentioned in the scenario.
C. Instruct the client to stand up slowly.
Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. One of the common side effects of prazosin is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure when changing positions from lying or sitting to standing. In this scenario, the client's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, which indicates hypotension. To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and related symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, the nurse should instruct the client to stand up slowly. This allows the body time to adjust to the change in position and minimizes the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
D. Inform the client to report urinary retention
, informing the client to report urinary retention, is a potential side effect of prazosin but is not the most appropriate action to take in this situation. The client's blood pressure is the immediate concern, and addressing orthostatic hypotension by instructing the client to stand up slowly is the appropriate action.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
c. Instruct the client to stand up slowly.
Explanation:
The correct answer is c. Instruct the client to stand up slowly.
Prazosin is an alpha-1 adrenergic blocker used to treat hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia. One of the common side effects of prazosin is orthostatic hypotension, which can cause a drop in blood pressure when changing positions from lying or sitting to standing.
In this scenario, the client's blood pressure is 100/60 mm Hg, which indicates hypotension. To prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and related symptoms such as dizziness or fainting, the nurse should instruct the client to stand up slowly. This allows the body time to adjust to the change in position and minimizes the risk of orthostatic hypotension.
Option a, administering a reversal agent, is not necessary in this situation. Reversal agents are used to counteract the effects of specific medications when there is a need to rapidly reverse their actions. There is no indication in the scenario that the client requires a reversal agent.
Option b, initiating cardiac monitoring, is not warranted based solely on a blood pressure reading of 100/60 mm Hg. Cardiac monitoring is typically indicated when there are specific cardiac concerns or symptoms, which are not mentioned in the scenario.
Option d, informing the client to report urinary retention, is a potential side effect of prazosin but is not the most appropriate action to take in this situation. The client's blood pressure is the immediate concern, and addressing orthostatic hypotension by instructing the client to stand up slowly is the appropriate action.
By instructing the client to stand up slowly, the nurse promotes safety and minimizes the risk of orthostatic hypotension, allowing the client to adjust to the change in position and reduce the likelihood of experiencing symptoms related to low blood pressure.
Similar Questions
A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the parent of an infant who is receiving furosemide. The nurse should reinforce with the parent that which of the following laboratory tests will be monitored while the infant is receiving this medication?
A. Potassium
A) Potassium: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.
B. b. WBC Count
B) WBC Count: While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.
C. Iron
C) Iron: Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.
D. Amylase
D) Amylase: Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.
Full Explanation
Answer: A. Potassium
Rationale:
A) Potassium:
Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause significant potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias and muscle weakness. Ensuring potassium levels remain within a normal range helps maintain the infant's overall health and safety while on this medication.
B) WBC Count:
While it is important to monitor WBC count in various clinical situations, furosemide does not typically affect white blood cell levels. Therefore, monitoring WBC count is not specifically indicated for infants receiving furosemide unless there is another underlying condition that requires it.
C) Iron:
Iron levels are not typically affected by furosemide. Monitoring iron levels would be more relevant in cases of anemia or other hematologic conditions. Furosemide does not interfere with iron metabolism, so this test is not a priority for infants on this medication.
D) Amylase:
Amylase is an enzyme related to the pancreas and is typically monitored in conditions such as pancreatitis. Furosemide does not have a direct effect on amylase levels, so monitoring this enzyme is not necessary for infants receiving this diuretic. The focus should be on electrolytes, particularly potassium.
A nurse is assisting with developing a discharge plan for a client who has a new diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. The client is independent and lives alone. Which of the following interventions should the nurse plan to include?
A. Provide the client with 1 week's supply of insulin syringes
B. Arrange for a home health nurse to visit the client daily
The nurse should plan to arrange for a home health nurse to visit the client daily. Since the client is independent and lives alone, having a home health nurse visit regularly can provide essential support, education, and monitoring of the client's diabetes management. Providing the client with a 1 week's supply of insulin syringes (option a) is important, but it alone does not address the need for ongoing care and support. Notifying the family (option c) may be appropriate, but it is not the primary intervention for ensuring the client's immediate post-discharge needs are met. Referring the client to a diabetic support group (option d) is beneficial for long-term management, but it does not address the immediate need for support and education after discharge.
C. Notify the family of the client's health status
D. Refer the client to a diabetic support group.
A nurse in a pediatric clinic is reviewing the urine laboratory results for an adolescent.
For which of the following results should the nurse notify the provider?
A. Specific gravity 1.020
A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration.
B. Uric acid 475 mg/24 hr
Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided.
C. Ketones positive
Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.
D. Nitrites negative
Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.
Full Explanation
c. Ketones positive.
Explanation:
Ketones in the urine can be an indication of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) or other metabolic disorders. It is abnormal and should be reported to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Positive ketones suggest that the body is breaking down fats for energy instead of using glucose, which can be a sign of inadequate insulin levels or utilization.
Options a, b, and d are within normal ranges or do not indicate an immediate concern. A specific gravity of 1.020 is within the normal range and indicates appropriate urine concentration. Uric acid levels of 475 mg/24 hr are not mentioned as abnormal or concerning in the context provided. Nitrites negative indicates the absence of nitrites in the urine, which is a normal finding and indicates the absence of a urinary tract infection.
However, it's important to note that clinical judgment should always be exercised, and the nurse should consider the patient's overall clinical presentation and history when interpreting laboratory results and making decisions regarding reporting to the provider.
