QUESTIONS
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 - ANSWER3. 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.
Oral iron supplements are prescribed for a 6-year-old child
with iron deficiency anemia. The nurse instructs the
mother to administer the iron with which best food item?
1. Milk
2. Water
3. Apple juice
, 4. Orange juice - ANSWER4. Orange juice
Rationale:
Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron by the body.
The mother should be instructed to administer the
medication with a citrus fruit or a juice that is high in
vitamin C. Milk may affect absorption of the iron. Water will
not assist in absorption. Orange juice contains a greater
amount of vitamin C than apple juice.
Salicylic acid is prescribed for a client with a diagnosis of
psoriasis. The nurse monitors the client, knowing that
which of the following would indicate the presence of
systemic toxicity from this medication?
, 1. Tinnitus
2. Diarrhea
3. Constipation
4. Decreased Respirations - ANSWER1. Tinnitus
Rationale:
Salicylic acid is absorbed readily through the skin, and
systemic toxicity (salicylism) can result. Symptoms include
tinnitus, dizziness, hyperpnea, and psychological
disturbances. Constipation and diarrhea are not
associated with salicylism.
The camp nurse asks the children preparing to swim in the
lake if they have applied sunscreen. The nurse reminds