Nokea
The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Administer Digibind.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a common side effect of furosemide. Administering a potassium supplement is essential to prevent complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because holding furosemide can worsen the client's condition. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose can further lower potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect as Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity, not hypokalemia. Administering a potassium supplement addresses the underlying issue.
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A 2400 mg sodium diet is prescribed for the patient with chronic heart failure. The nurse recognizes that additional teaching is necessary when the patient states
- A. I should limit my milk intake to 2 cups a day
- B. I can eat fresh fruits and vegetables without worrying about sodium levels
- C. I can eat most foods as long as I do not add salt when cooking or at the table
- D. I need to read the labels on prepared foods and medicines for their sodium content
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: All foods that are high in sodium should be eliminated in a 2400 mg sodium diet, in addition to the elimination of salt during cooking.
If Dr. Baker complains of loss of appetite and nausea after starting chlorothiazide, it would be important to
- A. check her digitalis and potassium levels
- B. obtain a urine specimen
- C. get an electrocardiogram immediately
- D. reassure her that since her blood pressure is normal these symptoms are to be expected
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Chlorothiazide can affect electrolyte balance, requiring monitoring.
This is a chronic condition where the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs.
- A. Heart failure
- B. Cardiomyopathy
- C. Myocarditis
- D. Pericarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart failure. In heart failure, the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's needs, leading to symptoms such as shortness of breath and fatigue. This condition can result from various causes like hypertension or heart attacks. Cardiomyopathy (B) refers to diseases of the heart muscle, which can lead to heart failure but is not the same thing. Myocarditis (C) is inflammation of the heart muscle, and pericarditis (D) is inflammation of the pericardium, both of which can cause heart failure but are not the primary condition described in the question.
The client is on amiodarone and reports blurred vision. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- B. Instruct the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately.
- C. Advise the client to stop taking the medication.
- D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because blurred vision can be a serious side effect of amiodarone indicating potential optic nerve damage. Instructing the client to report this symptom to the healthcare provider immediately is crucial for further evaluation and management. Choice A is incorrect as blurred vision should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Choices C and D are incorrect as advising the client to stop or discontinue the medication abruptly can be harmful and should only be done under healthcare provider guidance.
Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by weakening and rupture of alveoli walls, reducing gas exchange surface area. This leads to shortness of breath and decreased oxygen levels. Bronchitis involves inflammation of bronchial tubes, not alveoli. Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue, not alveoli weakening. Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli rupture. Therefore, A is correct due to its direct association with alveoli damage.