The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer a potassium supplement.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Administer Digibind.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A because a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a common side effect of furosemide. Administering a potassium supplement is essential to prevent complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because holding furosemide can worsen the client's condition. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose can further lower potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect as Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity, not hypokalemia. Administering a potassium supplement addresses the underlying issue.
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Which of the following are the consequences of fluid and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diuretic therapy in older adults?
- A. Fatigue
- B. Dyspnea
- C. Chest pain
- D. Heart palpitations
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Fluid and electrolyte imbalances can lead to fatigue, a common side effect of diuretic use in older adults.
This is a branch of the left coronary arteries which supplies the LEFT ATRIUM, posterior lateral surface of the left ventricle.
- A. Right coronary artery
- B. Left circumflex artery
- C. Left anterior descending artery
- D. Posterior descending artery
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B, the Left circumflex artery. This artery branches off the left coronary artery and supplies the left atrium and the posterior lateral surface of the left ventricle. The Left anterior descending artery (C) supplies the anterior surface of the left ventricle. The Right coronary artery (A) supplies the right atrium and right ventricle. The Posterior descending artery (D) is a branch of the right coronary artery and supplies the posterior wall of the left ventricle. Therefore, B is the correct answer based on the specific areas supplied by each artery.
The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who develops a cough. What is the most appropriate action?
- A. Notify the healthcare provider immediately.
- B. Reassure the client that this is a common side effect.
- C. Continue the amiodarone and monitor the client's symptoms.
- D. Discontinue the amiodarone immediately.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale for Correct Answer A: The nurse should notify the healthcare provider immediately because a cough can be a sign of a serious side effect of amiodarone called pulmonary toxicity. Prompt action is necessary to prevent further complications. The healthcare provider needs to assess the client, possibly order diagnostic tests, and determine the appropriate course of action.
Summary of Incorrect Choices:
B: Reassuring the client without further assessment could lead to delayed recognition of a serious issue.
C: Continuing amiodarone without addressing the cough may worsen the condition.
D: Discontinuing amiodarone without consulting the healthcare provider may not be appropriate and could lead to adverse effects or worsening of the client's condition.
Which of the following structures of the heart is called the pacemaker of the heart?
- A. AV junction
- B. SA node
- C. AV node
- D. Purkinje fibers
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The sinoatrial (SA) node initiates and regulates the heartbeat, acting as the heart's natural pacemaker.
Which heart chamber ejects blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery?
- A. Right atrium
- B. Left atrium
- C. Right ventricle
- D. Left ventricle
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, the right ventricle. The right ventricle is responsible for pumping deoxygenated blood to the lungs via the pulmonary artery for oxygenation. This process occurs during the pulmonary circulation phase of the cardiac cycle. The right atrium receives deoxygenated blood from the body and pumps it into the right ventricle. The right ventricle then contracts to push the blood through the pulmonary valve and into the pulmonary artery. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs, which is then pumped into the left ventricle for distribution to the rest of the body. Therefore, choices A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not directly involve the ejection of blood into the lungs via the pulmonary artery.