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A client with a history of congestive heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain before administering this medication?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Respiratory rate
- D. Oxygen saturation
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heart rate. Before administering digoxin to a client with a history of congestive heart failure, the nurse must assess the client's heart rate. Digoxin can cause bradycardia, so monitoring the heart rate is crucial to prevent potential complications. Assessing blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation are important assessments but are not as directly influenced by digoxin as heart rate is in this scenario. Blood pressure can be affected by various factors, including dehydration or other medications. Respiratory rate and oxygen saturation are more related to respiratory function and gas exchange, which are not the primary concerns when administering digoxin to a client with heart failure.
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The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about lifestyle modifications. Which recommendation is most effective for lowering blood pressure?
- A. Increase intake of red meat
- B. Engage in regular physical activity
- C. Consume a high-sodium diet
- D. Limit fluid intake to 1 liter per day
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Engaging in regular physical activity is a highly effective recommendation for lowering blood pressure and improving overall cardiovascular health. Regular exercise helps to strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and manage weight, all of which contribute to reducing blood pressure levels. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect. Increasing intake of red meat can lead to higher saturated fat consumption, which is detrimental to heart health. Consuming a high-sodium diet can exacerbate hypertension by increasing blood pressure. Limiting fluid intake to 1 liter per day may lead to dehydration and is not a recommended approach for managing hypertension.
After receiving a report, the nurse receives the laboratory values for four clients. Which client requires the nurse's immediate intervention? The client who is...
- A. Short of breath after a shower and has a hemoglobin of 8 grams
- B. Bleeding from a finger stick and has a prothrombin time of 30 seconds
- C. Febrile and has a WBC count of 14,000/mm3
- D. Trembling and has a glucose level of 50 mg/dL
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: A glucose level of 50 mg/dL is indicative of hypoglycemia, which requires immediate intervention to prevent further complications. Hypoglycemia can lead to serious consequences such as altered mental status, seizures, and even coma if not promptly addressed. The other options do not present immediate life-threatening conditions that require urgent intervention. Shortness of breath with a hemoglobin of 8 grams may indicate anemia but does not require immediate intervention. Bleeding from a finger stick with a prothrombin time of 30 seconds may suggest clotting issues, which are important but not as immediately critical as hypoglycemia. Being febrile with an elevated WBC count could indicate infection, which is concerning but not as urgently critical as hypoglycemia.
A client with pneumonia is experiencing difficulty expectorating thick secretions. What intervention should the nurse implement to assist the client?
- A. Administer antibiotics as prescribed
- B. Perform chest physiotherapy
- C. Encourage increased fluid intake
- D. Provide humidified oxygen
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client experiencing difficulty expectorating thick secretions due to pneumonia is to encourage increased fluid intake. Increasing fluid intake helps to thin secretions, making them easier to expectorate. Administering antibiotics (Choice A) is important in treating pneumonia but does not directly address the issue of thick secretions. Chest physiotherapy (Choice B) may help in some cases, but increasing fluid intake is a more straightforward and effective intervention. Providing humidified oxygen (Choice D) can help with oxygenation but does not directly address the problem of thick secretions.
The wife is observed shaving her husband's beard with a safety razor. What should the nurse do?
- A. Advise the wife to shave against the hair growth
- B. Teach the wife to keep the skin loose to avoid cuts
- C. Encourage the wife to continue shaving her husband
- D. Demonstrate the correct procedure to the wife
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should encourage the wife to continue shaving her husband. The rationale behind this is that the wife is already performing the task, so abrupt interference may lead to potential harm or emotional distress. It is crucial for the nurse to carefully observe the situation and assess for any safety concerns. While teaching proper techniques (Choice B) is important, it can be addressed later in a non-critical manner to prevent skin irritation and injury. Advising to shave against the hair growth (Choice A) may cause skin irritation and cuts. Although demonstrating the correct procedure (Choice D) may be helpful, it is essential to consider the current dynamics and respect the wife's autonomy in caring for her husband.
A client with a diagnosis of osteoporosis is prescribed alendronate (Fosamax). What is the most important instruction the nurse should provide?
- A. Take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach.
- B. Take the medication at bedtime.
- C. Remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication.
- D. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The most important instruction the nurse should provide to a client prescribed alendronate (Fosamax) for osteoporosis is to take the medication with a full glass of water. This is crucial to help prevent esophageal irritation. Option A is correct as alendronate should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach. Option C is incorrect because the client should remain upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the medication, not lie down. Option B is incorrect and a duplicate of Option A.