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A client with heart failure is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin). Which instruction should the nurse include in the client's teaching plan?
- A. Take your pulse before each dose and hold the medication if your pulse is below 60 beats per minute.
- B. Increase your intake of foods high in potassium.
- C. Take the medication with a high-fiber meal to enhance absorption.
- D. Skip a dose if you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A
Rationale:
1. Digoxin is a medication that can cause bradycardia as a side effect.
2. Instructing the client to take their pulse before each dose is crucial to monitor for bradycardia.
3. Holding the medication if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute helps prevent potential adverse effects.
4. This instruction ensures the client's safety and adherence to the prescribed regimen.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect because increasing potassium intake can lead to hyperkalemia when taking digoxin.
- Choice C is incorrect as taking digoxin with a high-fiber meal may affect absorption negatively.
- Choice D is incorrect because skipping a dose based on dizziness or lightheadedness may lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes.
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A patient with diabetes insipidus is prescribed desmopressin. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Increase urine output
- B. Reduce blood sugar levels
- C. Decrease urine output
- D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Desmopressin is a synthetic form of vasopressin used to replace the hormone in diabetes insipidus. The primary purpose is to decrease urine output by increasing water reabsorption in the kidneys, thereby reducing excessive urination and preventing dehydration. Choice A is incorrect as desmopressin actually decreases urine output. Choice B is incorrect as desmopressin does not directly affect blood sugar levels. Choice D is incorrect as desmopressin does not primarily lower blood pressure.
A patient with chronic heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. What is the primary purpose of this medication?
- A. Increase cardiac output
- B. Reduce fluid retention
- C. Decrease heart rate
- D. Lower blood pressure
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Decrease heart rate. Carvedilol is a beta-blocker that works by blocking the beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate. This helps reduce the workload of the heart and improve its efficiency in patients with heart failure. Choice A is incorrect because carvedilol may not necessarily increase cardiac output directly. Choice B is incorrect because carvedilol focuses more on improving heart function rather than directly reducing fluid retention. Choice D is incorrect because while carvedilol may lower blood pressure as a secondary effect, its primary purpose in heart failure is to improve cardiac function by decreasing heart rate.
While assessing a client with diabetes mellitus, the nurse observes an absence of hair growth on the client's legs. What additional assessment provides further data to support this finding?
- A. Palpate for the presence of femoral pulses bilaterally.
- B. Assess for the presence of a positive Homan's sign.
- C. Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs.
- D. Watch the client's posture and balance during ambulation.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Observe the appearance of the skin on the client's legs. In clients with diabetes mellitus, poor circulation can lead to decreased hair growth on the legs. By observing the skin appearance, the nurse can look for signs of poor circulation such as dry skin, thinning of the skin, or discoloration. This assessment provides further data to support the finding of absent hair growth.
Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to the assessment of absent hair growth in clients with diabetes mellitus. Palpating for femoral pulses assesses circulation but does not specifically address the absence of hair growth. Assessing for Homan's sign evaluates for deep vein thrombosis, which is not directly related to hair growth. Watching posture and balance during ambulation assesses mobility and stability but does not provide information on hair growth or circulation in the legs.
A patient with hypertension is prescribed lisinopril. What side effect should the nurse monitor for?
- A. Hyperkalemia
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Bradycardia
- D. Constipation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hyperkalemia. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause potassium retention, leading to hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent serious complications like cardiac arrhythmias. Hypoglycemia (B) is not a common side effect of lisinopril. Bradycardia (C) and constipation (D) are also not typically associated with lisinopril use. Hyperkalemia is the most critical side effect to monitor in this case.
The charge nurse observes that a client with a nasogastric tube on low intermittent suction is drinking a glass of water immediately after the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) left the room. What action should the nurse take?
- A. Remove the glass of water and speak to the UAP.
- B. Discuss the incident with the UAP at the end of the day.
- C. Write an incident report and notify the healthcare provider.
- D. Remind the client of the potential for electrolyte imbalance.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Remove the glass of water and speak to the UAP. The rationale is as follows: 1) Drinking water with low intermittent suction can cause complications. 2) Immediate action is necessary to prevent harm. 3) Speaking to the UAP clarifies the situation and provides education. 4) Removing the glass of water ensures the client's safety.
Incorrect choices:
B: Discussing at the end of the day delays action and puts the client at risk.
C: Writing an incident report is important, but immediate intervention is needed first.
D: Reminding the client of electrolyte imbalance does not address the current issue of drinking water with a nasogastric tube.