Enalapril maleate is prescribed for a hospitalized client. Which assessment does the
nurse perform as a priority before administering the
... [Show More] medication?
Checking the client's blood pressure
Checking the client's peripheral pulses
Checking the most recent potassium level
Checking the client's intake-and-output record for the last 24 hours - ANSWER
Checking the client's blood pressure
Rationale: Enalapril maleate is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor used
to treat hypertension. One common side effect is postural hypotension. Therefore the
nurse would check the client's blood pressure immediately before administering each
dose. Checking the client's peripheral pulses, the results of the most recent potassium
level, and the intake and output for the previous 24 hours are not specifically associated
with this mediation.
A client is scheduled to undergo an upper gastrointestinal (GI) series, and the nurse
provides instructions to the client about the test. Which statement by the client indicates
a need for further instruction?
"The test will take about 30 minutes."
"I need to fast for 8 hours before the test."
"I need to drink citrate of magnesia the night before the test and give myself a Fleet
enema on the morning of the test."
"I need to take a laxative after the test is completed, because the liquid that I'll have to
drink for the test can be constipating." - ANSWER "I need to drink citrate of magnesia
the night before the test and give myself a Fleet enema on the morning of the test."
Rationale: No special preparation is necessary before a GI series, except that NPO
(nothing by mouth) status must be maintained for 8 hours before the test. An upper GI
series involves visualization of the esophagus, duodenum, and upper jejunum by means
of the use of a contrast medium. It involves swallowing a contrast medium (usually
barium), which is administered in a flavored milkshake. Films are taken at intervals
during the test, which takes about 30 minutes. After an upper GI series, the client is
prescribed a laxative to hasten elimination of the barium. Barium that remains in the
colon may become hard and difficult to expel, leading to fecal impaction.
A nurse on the evening shift checks a primary health care provider's prescriptions and
notes that the dose of a prescribed medication is higher than the normal dose. The
nurse calls the primary health care provider's answering service and is told that the [Show Less]