Author Question: The physician has ordered amiodarone (Cordarone). Prior to starting this medication, the nurse would ... (Read 33 times)

bobthebuilder · **on:** Jul 23, 2018

The physician has ordered amiodarone (Cordarone). Prior to starting this medication, the nurse would alert the physician to which laboratory result?

1. Sodium 140 mEq/L
2. Potassium 3.1 mEq/L
3. Potassium 5.1 mEq/L
4. International normalized ratio (INR) of 12 seconds

Question 2

The patient receives verapamil (Calan). The patient asks the nurse if it is okay to take herbal supplements with this medicine. What is the best response by the nurse?

1. Using herbal supplements may increase your blood pressure too much.
2. Herbal supplements are okay as long as you take calcium salts with them.
3. Using herbal supplements may lower your blood pressure too much.
4. Most herbal supplements are okay, but you should avoid St. John's wort.

cloud · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 23, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Correct Answer: 2
Rationale: Hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia should be corrected prior to initiating therapy with amiodarone (Cordarone). 5.1 mEq/L is a normal potassium level. 140 mEq/L is a normal sodium level. Twelve seconds is a normal international normalized ratio (INR) level.

Answer to Question 2

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale: Verapamil (Calan) should be used with caution with herbal supplements, such as hawthorn, because of the potential for additive hypotensive effects. All herbal supplements, not just St. John's wort, should be avoided. Taking calcium salts with herbal supplements will not affect the interactions with verapamil (Calan). Herbal supplements may lower, not increase, blood pressure.