In monitoring the effectiveness of warfarin therapy for a client with a history of atrial fibrillation, which laboratory value should the nurse monitor?
- A. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- B. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
- C. Platelet count
- D. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) are crucial laboratory values to monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy in clients with atrial fibrillation. These values help ensure that the client is within the therapeutic range and that the anticoagulant effect of warfarin is appropriate.
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The healthcare provider is teaching a client about the use of nitroglycerin patches for angina pectoris. Which instruction should the healthcare provider include?
- A. Apply the patch to the same site each day
- B. Remove the patch at bedtime to prevent tolerance
- C. Cover the patch with a bandage to keep it in place
- D. Rotate the application site every 24 hours
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
The LPN/LVN is assisting in the care of a client with a diagnosis of heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum glucose
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is serum potassium. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial when a client is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) because low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and low potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of serum potassium is essential to prevent adverse effects and ensure the safe administration of digoxin in clients with heart failure.
A nurse is assessing a client who has a new prescription for albuterol. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Dry mouth
- B. Tachycardia
- C. Weight gain
- D. Drowsiness
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
A client with a history of coronary artery disease (CAD) is prescribed simvastatin (Zocor). The nurse should teach the client about which potential side effect?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Dry mouth
- C. Drowsiness
- D. Diarrhea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Muscle pain is a common side effect of statins like simvastatin and can indicate a serious condition called rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis is a severe condition where muscle fibers break down rapidly, releasing myoglobin into the bloodstream, which can lead to kidney damage. Therefore, it's important for the nurse to educate the client about this potential side effect and to promptly report any muscle pain to the healthcare provider.
The nurse is caring for a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) who reports chest pain. The nurse administers nitroglycerin as prescribed. What is the next priority action?
- A. Obtain a 12-lead ECG
- B. Monitor the client's blood pressure
- C. Notify the healthcare provider
- D. Administer a second dose of nitroglycerin
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.