The nurse is preparing medications for a group of clients. Which prescription should the nurse clarify with the health care provider before administering?

Question

The nurse is preparing medications for a group of clients.  Which prescription should the nurse clarify with the health care provider before administering?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

ACE inhibitors ("-prils") and angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) ("-sartans") may potentiate hyperkalemia. ACE inhibitors decrease the excretion of aldosterone. Aldosterone promotes sodium retention and causes potassium excretion. However, when the ACE inhibitor suppresses aldosterone, potassium rises, placing clients at risk for hyperkalemia, especially in the presence of impaired renal function. The nurse should question the administration of an ACE inhibitor in a client with hyperkalemia (Option B). (Option A) Lactulose is administered to clients with cirrhosis and hepatic encephalopathy to promote excretion of ammonia via fecal elimination and not solely for the treatment of constipation. The dose is adjusted to achieve 2-3 soft stools each day. (Option C) Vancomycin should be infused over at least 60 minutes (100 minutes if infusing ≥1 gram). When the infusion is given too fast, the client may develop red man syndrome, which is characterized by facial and upper body flushing. If this occurs, the infusion should be slowed or stopped and restarted at a slower rate after 30 minutes. Facial flushing in isolation is not indicative of an allergic or anaphylactic reaction, and the nurse can independently manage this side effect. (Option D) Basal insulin glargine (Lantus) is used for glucose control in diabetic clients. Insulin glargine has no peak and should be administered even if the current blood glucose level is within normal limits. Educational objective: Clients receiving ACE inhibitors should be monitored for hyperkalemia, especially in the presence of renal insufficiency. The nurse should clarify a prescription for ACE inhibitor administration in a client with hyperkalemia.

The Nurse Is Preparing Medications for a Group of Clients