When administering spironolactone (Aldactone) to a client who has had a unilateral adrenalectomy, the nurse should instruct the client about which of the following possible adverse effects of the drug?

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Question 1 of 5

When administering spironolactone (Aldactone) to a client who has had a unilateral adrenalectomy, the nurse should instruct the client about which of the following possible adverse effects of the drug?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Menstrual irregularities. After a unilateral adrenalectomy, the remaining adrenal gland may be affected by spironolactone, leading to hormonal imbalances and menstrual irregularities. This drug is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can interfere with the production of aldosterone, affecting hormonal regulation. Breast tenderness (A) is not a common side effect of spironolactone. Increased facial hair (B) is associated with hirsutism, not typically seen with spironolactone. Hair loss (D) is more commonly associated with other medications like chemotherapy, not spironolactone.

Question 2 of 5

Which of the following guidekines does not observe surgical asepisi in the operating room?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because in surgical asepsis, sterile articles should not touch other sterile articles or surfaces to maintain sterility. Choice B is correct as surgical team gowns are sterile in front. Choice C is correct as any breach makes the area contaminated. Choice D is correct as sterile drapes create a sterile field.

Question 3 of 5

A 39-year old male client underwent Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) eight hours ago and asks the nurse, “Why is my urine in the bag clotting like blood?” The nurse’s best interpretation of this finding is that:

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: after the surgery, bleeding is normal. This is because after a TURP procedure, it is common for some bleeding to occur, leading to blood clots in the urine bag. The surgical site undergoes trauma, causing bleeding as a part of the healing process. Choice B is incorrect because while irrigation may be done post-surgery, blood clots in the urine bag are expected due to the surgery itself, not just irrigation. Choice C is incorrect as it is normal for some bleeding to occur after TURP, and immediate physician intervention is not necessary unless excessive bleeding is observed. Choice D is incorrect as tugging on the catheter may cause bleeding, but in this case, the presence of blood clots is likely due to the surgery itself, not catheter irritation.

Question 4 of 5

A client is admitted to the ICU, which laboratory result must be reported immediately to the physician?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: platelets 18,000. A critically low platelet count can lead to life-threatening bleeding in the ICU. Normal platelet count ranges from 150,000 to 450,000. A count of 18,000 indicates severe thrombocytopenia. Immediate reporting is crucial for prompt intervention. Rationale for why other choices are incorrect: A: Hematocrit of 48% is within normal range (male: 42-52%, female: 37-47%). B: paCO2 of 38 mm Hg is within normal range (35-45 mm Hg). D: WBC count of 8000 is within normal range (4000-11000/uL). In critical care settings, it is vital to prioritize and address life-threatening conditions promptly, hence the urgent need to report the critically low platelet count.

Question 5 of 5

Mr. Go had a post-kidney transplant. What should the nurse immediately assess?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because post-kidney transplant patients are at high risk for fluid and electrolyte imbalances due to the impact of the surgery on renal function. The nurse should assess for signs of fluid overload or depletion and monitor electrolyte levels closely. Choice B, hepatotoxicity, is less immediate and not directly related to kidney transplant. Choice C, infection, is important but not the immediate priority. Choice D, respiratory complications, are also significant but not the most immediate concern post-kidney transplant.

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