Nursing practice questions with comprehensive rationales
NurseDive Free Nursing Practice Question
A nurse is concerned about renal function in an 84-year-old client who is taking several medications. What is a priority for the nurse to assess?
A. Serum creatinine
Serum creatinine is an important marker of renal function, but specific gravity is more directly related to urine concentration and kidney function.
B. Troponin levels
Troponin levels are primarily associated with cardiac function, not renal function.
C. Specific gravity
Assessing specific gravity helps evaluate the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is a valuable indicator of renal function.
D. Sodium levels
Sodium levels can be important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not the primary indicator of renal function.
This question is an excerpt from Nurse Dive's nursing test bank - Ramsussen Section 4 Module 11. Pharmocology For Professional Nursing Proctored Exam. Take the full exam now
Full Explanation
A) Serum creatinine is an important marker of renal function, but specific gravity is more directly related to urine concentration and kidney function.
B) Troponin levels are primarily associated with cardiac function, not renal function.
C) Assessing specific gravity helps evaluate the kidney's ability to concentrate urine and is a valuable indicator of renal function.
D) Sodium levels can be important in assessing electrolyte balance but are not the primary indicator of renal function.
Similar Questions
Which of these self-care measures should be emphasized in client education regarding phenytoin?
A. Gradually reduce prescribed dose if seizures do not occur for one month
Gradually reducing the prescribed dose of an antiepileptic like phenytoin without consulting the healthcare provider can lead to increased seizure activity. This is not a recommended self care measure.
B. Expect green urine due to medication metabolites
Expecting green urine is not associated with phenytoin. This statement is not accurate.
C. Brush after every meal and floss teeth daily
Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia and other oral health issues. Emphasizing good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing after every meal and flossing daily, is crucial.
D. Instill mineral oil into both ears once a week
Instilling mineral oil into both ears is not a self-care measure related to phenytoin.
Full Explanation
A) Gradually reducing the prescribed dose of an antiepileptic like phenytoin without consulting the healthcare provider can lead to increased seizure activity. This is not a recommended self care measure.
B) Expecting green urine is not associated with phenytoin. This statement is not accurate.
C) Phenytoin can cause gingival hyperplasia and other oral health issues. Emphasizing good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing after every meal and flossing daily, is crucial.
D) Instilling mineral oil into both ears is not a self-care measure related to phenytoin.
Which of these findings would cause the nurse to hold the administration of oral metoprolol 25 mg?
A. Blood pressure of 92/44 mmHg
The nurse should hold the administration of oral metoprolol 25 mg if the blood pressure of the patient is 92/44 mmHg, as this indicates hypotension, which can be worsened by the beta blocker effect of metoprolol.
B. Respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute
A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute is within the acceptable range for administering metoprolol.
C. Heart rate of 92 beats per minute
A heart rate of 92 beats per minute is within the acceptable range for administering metoprolol.
D. Oxygen saturation level of 95% on room air
Holding the administration of metoprolol may be appropriate if the oxygen saturation level is low. Metoprolol is primarily used for heart rate and blood pressure control and may not be the immediate concern in a client with low oxygen saturation. The healthcare provider should be consulted for further guidance.
Full Explanation
A) The nurse should hold the administration of oral metoprolol 25 mg if the blood pressure of the patient is 92/44 mmHg, as this indicates hypotension, which can be worsened by the beta blocker effect of metoprolol.
B) A respiratory rate of 26 breaths per minute is within the acceptable range for administering metoprolol.
C) A heart rate of 92 beats per minute is within the acceptable range for administering metoprolol.
D) Holding the administration of metoprolol may be appropriate if the oxygen saturation level is low. Metoprolol is primarily used for heart rate and blood pressure control and may not be the immediate concern in a client with low oxygen saturation. The healthcare provider should be consulted for further guidance.
The nurse is caring for a client who is receiving vancomycin. The nurse notes the client is experiencing flushing, rash, pruritus, and urticaria. The client's heart rate is 120 beats/min, and blood pressure is 92/57 mm Hg. What complication is the client experiencing?
A. Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and is not associated with the symptoms described.
B. Red man syndrome
Red man syndrome is an infusion reaction associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin. Symptoms include flushing, rash, pruritus, urticaria, tachycardia, and hypotension.
C. Side effects
Side effects are general and can include a range of symptoms. Red man syndrome is a specific reaction associated with vancomycin.
D. Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe skin reaction that involves blistering and peeling of the skin. It is not associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin.
Full Explanation
A) Rhabdomyolysis is a serious condition characterized by the breakdown of skeletal muscle tissue and is not associated with the symptoms described.
B) Red man syndrome is an infusion reaction associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin. Symptoms include flushing, rash, pruritus, urticaria, tachycardia, and hypotension.
C) Side effects are general and can include a range of symptoms. Red man syndrome is a specific reaction associated with vancomycin.
D) Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a severe skin reaction that involves blistering and peeling of the skin. It is not associated with the rapid infusion of vancomycin.