A patient who takes high-dose aspirin to treat rheumatoid ...

[Beheh]

A patient who takes high-dose aspirin to treat rheumatoid arthritis has a serum salicylate level of 35 mg/dL. The nurse will perform which action?
 
  a. Assess the patient for tinnitus.
  b. Monitor the patient for signs of Reye's syndrome.
  c. Notify the provider of severe aspirin toxicity.
  d. Request an order for an increased aspirin dose.

Question 2

The nurse is performing a health history on a patient who has arthritis. The patient reports tinnitus. Suspecting a drug adverse effect, the nurse will ask the patient about which medication?
 
  a. Aspirin (Bayer)
  b. Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
  c. Anakinra (Kineret)
  d. Prednisone (Deltasone)

[aadams68]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Mild toxicity occurs at levels above 30 mg/dL, so the nurse should assess for signs of toxicity, such as tinnitus. This level will not increase the risk for Reye's syndrome. Severe toxicity occurs at levels greater than 50 mg/dL. The dose should not be increased.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Aspirin causes tinnitus at low toxicity levels. The nurse should question the patient about this medication. The other medications do not have this side effect.

[Beheh]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it

[recede]

Excellent