1. A nurse is caring for a client with hyperparathyroidism and
notes that the client's serum calcium level is 13 mg/dL. Which
medication should the nurse prepare to administer as prescribed
to the client?
1. Calcium chloride
2. Calcium gluconate
3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
4. Large doses of vitamin D 3. Calcitonin (Miacalcin)
Rationale:
The normal serum calcium level is 8.6 to 10.0 mg/dL. This client is
experiencing hypercalcemia. Calcium gluconate and calcium chloride
are medications used for the treatment of tetany, which occurs as a
result of acute hypocalcemia. In hypercalcemia, large doses of
vitamin D need to be avoided. Calcitonin, a thyroid hormone,
decreases the plasma calcium level by inhibiting bone resorption and
lowering the serum calcium concentration.
, 2. The clinic nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client.
The nurse notes that the client is taking azelaic acid (Azelex). Because
of the medication prescription, the nurse would suspect that the client
is being treated for:
1. Acne
2. Eczema
3. Hair loss
4. Herpes simplex 1. Acne
Rationale:
Azelaic acid is a topical medication used to treat mild to moderate
acne. The acid appears to work by suppressing the growth of
Propionibacterium acnes and decreasing the proliferation of
keratinocytes. Options 2, 3, and 4 are incorrect.
3. Saquinavir (Invirase) is prescribed for the client who is human
immunodeficiency virus seropositive. The nurse reinforces medication
instructions and tells the client to:
1. Avoid sun exposure.
2. Eat low-calorie foods.
,3. Eat foods that are low in fat.
4. Take the medication on an empty stomach. 1. Avoid sun
exposure.
Rationale:
Saquinavir (Invirase) is an antiretroviral (protease inhibitor) used
with other antiretroviral medications to manage human
immunodeficiency virus infection. Saquinavir is administered with
meals and is best absorbed if the client consumes high-calorie, high-
fat meals. Saquinavir can cause photosensitivity, and the nurse
should instruct the client to avoid sun exposure.
4. Ketoconazole is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of
candidiasis. Select the interventions that the nurse includes when
administering this medication. Select all that apply.
1. Restrict fluid intake.
2. Instruct the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
4. Administer the medication with an antacid.
, 5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
6. Administer the medication on an empty stomach. 2. Instruct
the client to avoid alcohol.
3. Monitor hepatic and liver function studies.
5. Instruct the client to avoid exposure to the sun.
Rationale:
Ketoconazole is an antifungal medication. It is administered with food
(not on an empty stomach) and antacids are avoided for 2 hours after
taking the medication to ensure absorption. The medication is
hepatotoxic and the nurse monitors liver function studies. The client is
instructed to avoid exposure to the sun because the medication
increases photosensitivity. The client is also instructed to avoid alcohol.
There is no reason for the client to restrict fluid intake. In fact, this
could be harmful to the client.
6. A client with human immunodeficiency virus is taking nevirapine
(Viramune). The nurse should monitor for which adverse effects of the
medication? Select all that apply.
1. Rash