A client with chronic back pain informs the nurse he has been receiving therapeutic touch in addition to his medications. What is the nurse's best classification of this client's treatment?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Therapeutic touch alongside medications is complementary therapy, integrating non-drug methods with conventional treatment to enhance care. Pharmacotherapy is drug-only. Drug-absence therapy isn't a term. Biologic therapy uses biological agents, not touch. Complementary therapy fits, reflecting a holistic approach, common in pain management.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When a drug is administered by continuous intravenous infusion, it will take approximately 4-5 half-lives for it to reach 90% of its final steady-state level. In this case, the drug has a half-life of 12 hours, so it will take 4 half-lives (12 hours x 4 = 48 hours) for the drug to reach 90% of its final steady-state level. Therefore, the drug will reach 90% of its final steady-state level after 48 hours of continuous infusion.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Allopurinol reduces uric acid production, treating gout by inhibiting xanthine oxidase. Monitoring serum uric acid tracks efficacy, ensuring levels drop (normal: 3.5-7.2 mg/dL) to prevent flares. BUN reflects kidney function, relevant but secondary unless damage exists. White blood cells and platelets aren't directly affected unless hypersensitivity occurs (rare). Uric acid is the therapeutic target, aligning with allopurinol's mechanism, critical in gout where hyperuricemia drives symptoms. Regular checks confirm treatment success, guiding dose adjustments, making A the key value to monitor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: HRT, often involving estrogen, increases thrombophlebitis risk due to enhanced clotting factors. Calf pain signals possible deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a life-threatening side effect requiring immediate assessment, as it could lead to pulmonary embolism. Decreased libido , low-back pain , and fatigue may occur with HRT but are less urgent and not specific to its most dangerous complications. The nurse prioritizes calf pain due to its association with thromboembolism, a well-documented HRT risk, especially in smokers or those with vascular issues, making choice A the critical focus for safety.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Heparin is a commonly used anticoagulant medication. It works by inhibiting the formation of blood clots in the body. Anticoagulants like heparin are frequently used to prevent and treat conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism, and during certain medical procedures to reduce the risk of clot formation. Heparin is not used to treat hypertension, diabetes, or as a laxative.