Nokea
The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider.
- B. Administer potassium supplements.
- C. Continue the spironolactone as ordered.
- D. Increase the dose of spironolactone.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is elevated (normal range is 3.5-5.0 mEq/L). Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic, so the priority action is to hold the medication to prevent further elevation of potassium levels, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Notifying the healthcare provider is crucial for further management. Administering potassium supplements (B) would further increase potassium levels. Continuing spironolactone as ordered (C) would exacerbate hyperkalemia. Increasing the dose of spironolactone (D) would be contraindicated in this situation.
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This is a type of lung disease that results from the inhalation of certain dusts, often in the workplace, leading to lung damage.
- A. Pneumoconiosis
- B. Asbestosis
- C. Silicosis
- D. Anthracosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumoconiosis. Pneumoconiosis is a general term for lung diseases caused by inhaling dust particles, such as coal, asbestos, or silica, leading to lung damage. Asbestosis (B) specifically refers to lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibers. Silicosis (C) is a type of pneumoconiosis caused by inhaling silica dust. Anthracosis (D) is the accumulation of carbon particles in the lungs but is not typically associated with significant lung damage. Therefore, the correct answer is A because it is the most inclusive term for lung diseases resulting from inhaling dust particles.
What structures hold up the AV valves and are anchored to the ventricular wall by the papillary muscles?
- A. Chordae tendineae
- B. Papillary muscles
- C. Semilunar valves
- D. Aortic valve
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chordae tendineae. These fibrous cords hold up the AV valves (mitral and tricuspid valves) and are anchored to the ventricular wall by the papillary muscles. The papillary muscles contract to prevent the AV valves from prolapsing into the atria during ventricular contraction. Choice B (Papillary muscles) is incorrect as they assist in the function but are not the structures that hold up the AV valves. Choices C (Semilunar valves) and D (Aortic valve) are incorrect as they are not directly involved in supporting the AV valves or anchored by the papillary muscles.
What is the condition where the walls of the heart's ventricles become thickened, reducing the heart's ability to pump blood effectively?
- A. Ventricular hypertrophy
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Restrictive cardiomyopathy
- D. Cardiomyopathy
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Ventricular hypertrophy. Ventricular hypertrophy refers to the thickening of the walls of the heart's ventricles, which can reduce the heart's ability to pump blood effectively. This condition is often a response to conditions like high blood pressure or heart valve disease, leading to increased workload on the heart muscle. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular heart rhythm, not directly related to ventricular thickening. Restrictive cardiomyopathy (C) involves stiffening of the heart muscle, affecting the heart's ability to fill properly. Cardiomyopathy (D) is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle, not specifically describing ventricular thickening.
What is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet become narrowed or blocked, causing pain and difficulty walking?
- A. Peripheral artery disease
- B. Atherosclerosis
- C. Varicose veins
- D. Raynaud's disease
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is characterized by narrowed or blocked arteries in the legs and feet, resulting in reduced blood flow, causing pain and difficulty walking. This condition is specifically related to arterial issues, unlike varicose veins (C) which involve veins, atherosclerosis (B) which is a broader term for arterial plaque buildup, and Raynaud's disease (D) which is characterized by episodic vasospasm affecting blood flow to extremities. Therefore, PAD is the most accurate choice given the symptoms described in the question.
Which condition is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid?
- A. Pneumonia
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Tuberculosis
- D. Cystic fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, causing them to fill with fluid. This leads to symptoms such as cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis (B) is inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs. Tuberculosis (C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always lead to fluid accumulation. Cystic fibrosis (D) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs but does not involve infection or fluid accumulation in the air sacs.