Nokea
The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse's best response?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Instruct the client to monitor their symptoms at home.
- D. Suggest the client reduce physical activity.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Shortness of breath in a client on amiodarone can indicate a serious side effect such as pulmonary toxicity or interstitial lung disease. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety by promptly informing the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. This is crucial to prevent potential harm or worsening of the condition.
Summary:
- Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone is not a common side effect to be reassured about.
- Choice C is incorrect as monitoring symptoms at home may delay necessary medical intervention.
- Choice D is incorrect as reducing physical activity does not address the potential serious side effect of amiodarone.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cystic fibrosis. This genetic disorder is characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. Step 1: Cystic fibrosis specifically mentions the thick, sticky mucus, which is a key characteristic of the disorder. Step 2: Pulmonary fibrosis is a different condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff. Step 3: Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, not mucus. Step 4: Bronchiectasis is a condition where the airways in the lungs become damaged and widened, not specifically related to thick mucus buildup.
When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure because dobutamine is a medication that increases heart contractility, potentially leading to increased cardiac output and subsequent changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect without causing adverse effects such as hypertension or hypotension. Heart rate (B) can be influenced by dobutamine but is not as critical as blood pressure. Oxygen saturation (C) and respiratory rate (D) are important parameters to monitor in general but are not directly influenced by dobutamine.
The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?
- A. Decreases heart rate
- B. Increases heart rate
- C. Increases blood pressure
- D. Decreases blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers inhibit the influx of calcium into cardiac and smooth muscle cells, leading to vasodilation and decreased peripheral resistance, ultimately reducing blood pressure. This effect is beneficial in conditions such as hypertension and angina. The other choices are incorrect because calcium channel blockers typically do not directly affect heart rate or increase blood pressure.
What is a condition where the heart beats too fast, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Arrhythmia
- D. Ventricular fibrillation
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats too fast, resulting in reduced effectiveness in pumping blood. This occurs when the heart rate exceeds the normal range, impacting the heart's ability to fill and empty properly. Bradycardia (B) is the opposite, where the heart beats too slowly. Arrhythmia (C) refers to an irregular heartbeat pattern, which may or may not involve a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation (D) is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart quivers instead of pumping effectively.
What test involves the nurse instructing the client to avoid eating or drinking until sensation and the gag reflex return, which may take 1 hour or longer?
- A. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE)
- B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- C. Echocardiography
- D. Cardiac catheterization
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: TEE requires the client to fast until the gag reflex returns to prevent aspiration.