Nokea
A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
- A. Check blood pressure.
- B. Assess heart rate.
- C. Monitor respiratory rate.
- D. Measure oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is essential to evaluate the heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia. While checking blood pressure, monitoring respiratory rate, and measuring oxygen saturation are important assessments in the care of a client with chronic heart failure, assessing the heart rate is particularly critical due to the medication's potential impact on heart rhythm.
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When providing care for a client receiving palliative care for terminal cancer, what should the nurse prioritize?
- A. Pain management
- B. Arranging family visits
- C. Discussing advance directives
- D. Providing nutritional support
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When caring for a client receiving palliative care for terminal cancer, the nurse should prioritize pain management. Effective pain management is crucial in enhancing the quality of life for terminally ill patients. While arranging family visits and discussing advance directives are important aspects of care, pain management takes precedence in providing comfort and alleviating suffering. Nutritional support is essential but may be of lesser priority compared to pain management in this context.
A client with a history of seizures is being discharged home. Which instruction is most important for the nurse to provide?
- A. Take your medication as prescribed.
- B. Avoid driving until your condition is stable.
- C. Keep a seizure diary.
- D. Avoid alcohol consumption.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The most important instruction for a client with a history of seizures being discharged home is to take their medication as prescribed. Consistent and timely intake of anti-seizure medication is vital in managing seizures and preventing episodes. While instructions like avoiding driving until the condition is stable, keeping a seizure diary, and avoiding alcohol consumption are important, none are as critical as ensuring proper medication adherence to control seizures effectively. Failure to take prescribed medications can lead to breakthrough seizures, compromising the patient's safety and seizure control.
A client with a history of hypertension is prescribed hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ). Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hyponatremia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is 'B. Hyponatremia.' Hydrochlorothiazide can lead to electrolyte imbalances, such as hyponatremia, due to its diuretic effect. This potential adverse effect should be closely monitored in patients taking HCTZ. Choice A, hyperkalemia, is less likely to occur with HCTZ as it tends to cause hypokalemia. Choice C, bradycardia, is not a common adverse effect of HCTZ. Choice D, hyperglycemia, is also less commonly associated with HCTZ use compared to hyponatremia.
The nurse explains the 2-week dosage prescription of prednisone (Deltasone) to a client who has poison ivy over multiple skin surfaces. What should the nurse emphasize about the dosing schedule?
- A. Decrease the dosage daily as prescribed
- B. Monitor oral temperature daily
- C. Take the prednisone with meals
- D. Return for blood glucose monitoring in one week
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Decrease the dosage daily as prescribed.' Tapering the dosage of prednisone is crucial to prevent withdrawal symptoms and minimize the side effects of corticosteroid therapy. Decreasing the dosage gradually over time allows the body to adjust and reduces the risk of adrenal insufficiency. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Monitoring oral temperature daily, taking prednisone with meals, or returning for blood glucose monitoring in one week are not specific to the dosing schedule of prednisone for poison ivy treatment.
The client with heart failure is prescribed furosemide (Lasix). What should the nurse include in the teaching plan?
- A. Increase potassium-rich foods in the diet
- B. Avoid foods high in sodium
- C. Monitor fluid intake and adjust as needed
- D. Take the medication in the morning
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to instruct the client to increase potassium-rich foods in the diet. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss as a side effect. By increasing potassium-rich foods, the client can help prevent hypokalemia, a potential complication of furosemide therapy. Choice B is incorrect because while limiting sodium intake is generally advisable for heart failure, it is not directly related to furosemide use. Choice C is incorrect because fluid intake should be monitored and adjusted based on the individual's condition, but setting a specific limit of 1 liter per day is not a standard recommendation. Choice D is incorrect because furosemide is usually taken in the morning to prevent disturbances in sleep due to increased urination during the night.