Before administering a calcium channel blocker to a client with hypertension, what parameter should the nurse check?
- A. Serum calcium level
- B. Apical pulse
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Before administering a calcium channel blocker to a client with hypertension, the nurse should check the client's blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are prescribed to lower blood pressure, so it is essential to assess the current blood pressure to ensure safe administration and monitor the medication's effectiveness. Checking the serum calcium level (Choice A) is not necessary before administering a calcium channel blocker, as it does not directly impact the drug's action. Monitoring the apical pulse (Choice B) is important for other types of medications like beta-blockers, not specifically for calcium channel blockers. Assessing the respiratory rate (Choice D) is not directly related to administering calcium channel blockers for hypertension.
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A client is taking furosemide. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Weight gain
- B. Dry cough
- C. Hypokalemia
- D. Increased appetite
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium loss, resulting in hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is a serious electrolyte imbalance that can cause various cardiac and muscular issues. Therefore, the nurse should promptly report hypokalemia to the healthcare provider for appropriate management. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because weight gain, dry cough, and increased appetite are not typically associated with furosemide use and are not immediate concerns that require urgent reporting.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care to prevent the complication of pulmonary embolism?
- A. Encourage ambulation as tolerated.
- B. Administer anticoagulants as prescribed.
- C. Apply cold compresses to the affected area.
- D. Encourage the use of incentive spirometry.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Administering anticoagulants as prescribed is crucial in preventing the complication of pulmonary embolism in clients with deep vein thrombosis. Anticoagulants help prevent the formation of new clots and the enlargement of existing ones, thereby reducing the risk of a pulmonary embolism. Encouraging ambulation as tolerated is beneficial for preventing complications related to immobility, but it is not the primary intervention to prevent pulmonary embolism in this case. Applying cold compresses to the affected area may help with pain and swelling but does not address the prevention of pulmonary embolism. Encouraging the use of incentive spirometry is more relevant in preventing respiratory complications such as atelectasis, not specifically pulmonary embolism.
When reinforcing dietary instructions to a client with coronary artery disease prescribed a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet, which food item should the nurse advise the client to choose?
- A. Whole milk
- B. Grilled salmon
- C. Fried chicken
- D. Bacon and eggs
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Grilled salmon is the correct choice for a client with coronary artery disease on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet because it is low in saturated fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. Whole milk, fried chicken, and bacon and eggs are higher in saturated fats and cholesterol, making them less suitable choices for this client. Whole milk is high in saturated fat, while fried chicken and bacon and eggs are sources of both saturated fat and cholesterol, which can negatively impact heart health in clients with coronary artery disease.
The healthcare provider is preparing to administer a calcium channel blocker to a client with hypertension. What parameter should be checked before administering the medication?
- A. Apical pulse
- B. Serum calcium level
- C. Blood pressure
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Before administering a calcium channel blocker to a client with hypertension, the healthcare provider should check the client's blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers are used to lower blood pressure, making it essential to assess the current blood pressure to ensure it is within the appropriate range for administration. Checking the apical pulse (choice A) is not the priority before administering a calcium channel blocker, as the focus should be on blood pressure. Serum calcium level (choice B) is not directly related to the administration of calcium channel blockers for hypertension. Respiratory rate (choice D) is not the primary parameter to check before administering a calcium channel blocker in this scenario.
The nurse is caring for a client who has returned to the unit after undergoing a cardiac catheterization. The nurse should monitor for which common complication following this procedure?
- A. Hypertension
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hemorrhage
- D. Hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Following a cardiac catheterization, a common complication to monitor for is bleeding or hemorrhage at the catheter insertion site. Hemorrhage is a significant concern due to the potential for rapid blood loss, leading to hypovolemic shock and other serious complications. Monitoring for signs of bleeding, such as swelling, hematoma, or drop in hemoglobin levels, is crucial for timely intervention. Hypertension is not a common complication post-cardiac catheterization; instead, hypotension may occur due to vasovagal response or bleeding. Hyperglycemia is not typically associated with cardiac catheterization unless the client has pre-existing diabetes or stress-induced hyperglycemia.