A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis and reports feeling a new onset of palpitations and shortness of breath. Which of the following assessments should indicate to the nurse that the client may have developed atrial fibrillation?
- A. Different apical and radial pulses.
- B. Shortness of breath on exertion.
- C. Excessive sweating.
- D. Systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Different apical and radial pulses. In atrial fibrillation, the atria quiver instead of contracting effectively, leading to irregular heartbeat and pulse. This results in a discrepancy between the apical (heard by auscultation) and radial (felt at the wrist) pulses. Shortness of breath on exertion (B), excessive sweating (C), and systolic blood pressure of 150 mm Hg (D) are not specific to atrial fibrillation and can occur in various conditions.
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A nurse is evaluating teaching on a client who has a new prescription for montelukast to treat asthma. Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I'll take this medication once a day in the evening.
- B. I'll take this medication only when I have an asthma attack.
- C. I'll take this medication in the morning before exercise.
- D. I'll stop the medication if I feel better.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Correct Answer: A. "I'll take this medication once a day in the evening."
Rationale:
1. Montelukast is usually taken once daily in the evening to provide optimal control of asthma symptoms.
2. Taking it consistently at the same time every day helps maintain a steady level of the medication in the body.
3. This statement shows the client understands the prescribed dosing schedule and is likely to adhere to it.
Summary of other choices:
B. Incorrect: Waiting to take the medication only during an asthma attack is not the correct way to manage asthma as montelukast is meant for daily maintenance.
C. Incorrect: Taking the medication before exercise is not the recommended timing for montelukast administration.
D. Incorrect: Stopping the medication when feeling better can lead to a worsening of asthma symptoms as montelukast helps prevent asthma attacks.
A nurse is teaching a client who has been taking prednisone to treat asthma and has a new prescription to discontinue the medication. The nurse should explain to the client to reduce the dose gradually to prevent which of the following adverse effects?
- A. Osteoporosis
- B. Hypoglycemia
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Adrenocortical insufficiency
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Adrenocortical insufficiency. Gradually reducing prednisone dose is important as prednisone suppresses the body's natural production of cortisol. Abrupt discontinuation can lead to adrenal insufficiency due to the sudden decrease in cortisol levels. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, weight loss, and hypotension. Osteoporosis (A) is a long-term side effect of prednisone but not a concern with dose reduction. Hypoglycemia (B) and Hyperkalemia (C) are not typically associated with prednisone withdrawal.
A nurse is planning an educational program about basal cell carcinoma. Which of the following information should the nurse plan to include?
- A. Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis.
- B. Basal cell carcinoma often spreads to lymph nodes.
- C. Basal cell carcinoma is most common in young adults.
- D. Basal cell carcinoma is curable with chemotherapy.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Basal cell carcinoma has a low incidence of metastasis. This should be included in the educational program because basal cell carcinoma rarely metastasizes. Metastasis is the spread of cancer from the original site to other parts of the body, and in the case of basal cell carcinoma, it tends to remain localized. This information is crucial for patients to understand the prognosis and treatment options.
Explanation of why other choices are incorrect:
B: Basal cell carcinoma often spreads to lymph nodes - This statement is incorrect as basal cell carcinoma typically does not spread to lymph nodes.
C: Basal cell carcinoma is most common in young adults - Basal cell carcinoma is more common in older individuals, typically over the age of 50.
D: Basal cell carcinoma is curable with chemotherapy - While chemotherapy may be a treatment option for some cases of basal cell carcinoma, it is not the primary treatment and not always curative.
A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and a new prescription for furosemide. For which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypernatremia
- D. Hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hypokalemia. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. This can lead to hypokalemia, which can be dangerous in a client with heart failure as it can worsen cardiac function and lead to arrhythmias. The nurse should monitor the client's potassium levels regularly to prevent this adverse effect.
Summary of other choices:
B: Hyperkalemia - Furosemide does not typically cause hyperkalemia.
C: Hypernatremia - Furosemide is a diuretic that can lead to sodium loss, not hypernatremia.
D: Hypertension - Furosemide is actually used to treat hypertension, so it is not an adverse effect of the medication in this scenario.
A nurse is admitting a client who has acute pancreatitis. Which of the following provider prescriptions should the nurse anticipate?
- A. Pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus twice daily
- B. Furosemide 40 mg IV
- C. Lactulose 20 mg PO
- D. Acetaminophen 650 mg PO
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pantoprazole 80 mg IV bolus twice daily. In acute pancreatitis, gastric acid hypersecretion can occur, leading to exacerbation of pancreatic inflammation. Pantoprazole is a proton pump inhibitor that helps reduce gastric acid secretion, which can alleviate pancreatic irritation. IV administration ensures rapid onset of action.
B: Furosemide is a diuretic used for conditions like heart failure or edema, not indicated for acute pancreatitis.
C: Lactulose is a laxative used for hepatic encephalopathy to reduce ammonia levels, not indicated for acute pancreatitis.
D: Acetaminophen is a pain reliever, but it does not address the underlying cause of acute pancreatitis.
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