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A client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer a potassium supplement.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can lead to hyperkalemia. With a potassium level of 6.0 mEq/L, the client is at risk for serious cardiac complications. Holding the medication and notifying the healthcare provider is the priority to prevent further increase in potassium levels. Administering a potassium supplement (B) would exacerbate the hyperkalemia. Continuing the spironolactone as ordered (C) or increasing the dose (D) would also worsen the situation.
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The client on amiodarone develops pulmonary fibrosis. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Continue the medication and monitor lung function.
- C. Discontinue the medication and start oxygen therapy.
- D. Reduce the dose and monitor respiratory status.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Step-by-step rationale:
1. Pulmonary fibrosis is a serious side effect of amiodarone.
2. Immediate notification of the healthcare provider is necessary to address this potentially life-threatening complication.
3. The healthcare provider will need to evaluate the client's condition, consider alternative treatments, and adjust the care plan accordingly.
Summary of incorrect choices:
B. Continuing the medication without intervention can worsen the pulmonary fibrosis.
C. Discontinuing the medication is necessary, but oxygen therapy alone may not address the underlying issue.
D. Reducing the dose may not be sufficient to manage the pulmonary fibrosis and delaying provider notification can lead to further complications.
What is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive system, leading to thick, sticky mucus that can clog the airways?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. COPD
- C. Bronchiectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the CFTR gene, leading to the production of thick mucus that affects the lungs and digestive system. This thick mucus can clog the airways, causing breathing difficulties and increasing the risk of lung infections. COPD (Choice B) is a different condition characterized by airflow obstruction usually due to smoking. Bronchiectasis (Choice C) is a condition where the airways are permanently widened and can also lead to mucus buildup but is not specific to the CFTR gene mutation. Pulmonary fibrosis (Choice D) is a lung disease characterized by scarring of lung tissue, not mucus buildup.
What is a condition where the heart's electrical system malfunctions, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia?
- A. Arrhythmia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Arrhythmia. Arrhythmia refers to an irregular heartbeat caused by malfunctioning of the heart's electrical system. Bradycardia (B) is a slow heart rate, Tachycardia (C) is a fast heart rate, and Ventricular fibrillation (D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia characterized by rapid, irregular heartbeats. Arrhythmia encompasses various types of irregular heart rhythms, making it the most appropriate choice in this context.
Which valves close during ventricular systole and open during ventricular diastole?
- A. Semilunar valves
- B. Atrioventricular Valves
- C. Mitral valve
- D. Tricuspid valve
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: During ventricular systole, the atrioventricular valves (AV valves) close to prevent blood from flowing back into the atria. This allows the ventricles to contract and pump blood out of the heart. During ventricular diastole, the AV valves open to allow blood to flow from the atria into the ventricles. The other choices are incorrect because semilunar valves (choice A) close to prevent blood from flowing back into the ventricles during ventricular diastole, and the mitral valve (choice C) and tricuspid valve (choice D) are specific types of AV valves.
What is the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases?
- A. Atherosclerosis
- B. Arteriosclerosis
- C. Hypertension
- D. Diabetes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. This narrowing and hardening of the arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which is a general term and not specific to plaque buildup. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which can contribute to atherosclerosis but is not the primary cause. Diabetes (choice D) can also be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but it is not the direct buildup of plaque in the arteries.