The nurse is assessing a client with congestive heart failure who is receiving furosemide (Lasix). Which laboratory value should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Sodium level
- B. Potassium level
- C. Calcium level
- D. Chloride level
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Potassium level. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss, leading to hypokalemia. Monitoring the potassium level is crucial to prevent complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium level (choice A) is not typically affected by furosemide. Calcium level (choice C) and chloride level (choice D) are also not the primary focus of monitoring when a client is on furosemide for heart failure.
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The client is being educated by the nurse about the side effects of prednisone. Which side effect should the client be instructed to report immediately?
- A. Weight gain.
- B. Increased appetite.
- C. Hyperglycemia.
- D. Fever or sore throat.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: Fever or sore throat. These symptoms should be reported immediately as they could indicate an infection, which can be serious in clients taking prednisone due to its immunosuppressive effects. Choices A and B are common side effects of prednisone but are not typically considered urgent. Choice C, hyperglycemia, is a known side effect of prednisone but is not an immediate concern compared to the potential of an infection signaled by fever or sore throat.
A client with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism is being treated with levothyroxine (Synthroid). What is the most important information for the nurse to provide?
- A. Take the medication at bedtime.
- B. Take the medication with food.
- C. Report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- D. Discontinue the medication if you feel well.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The most important information for the nurse to provide to a client with hypothyroidism being treated with levothyroxine is to report any symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as palpitations or tremors, may indicate overtreatment or excessive dosing of levothyroxine. Prompt reporting of these symptoms is crucial to prevent serious complications. Choices A and B are not the most critical information related to levothyroxine administration. Instructing the client to take the medication at bedtime or with food can be important for adherence but is not as crucial as monitoring for signs of hyperthyroidism. Choice D is incorrect as discontinuing the medication if feeling well can lead to a relapse of hypothyroidism symptoms.
What are the final factors that contribute to blood pressure? (Select all that apply)
- A. Heart rate
- B. Stroke volume
- C. Peripheral resistance
- D. Neuroendocrine hormones
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Neuroendocrine hormones play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by influencing factors like fluid balance, blood volume, and vessel constriction. While heart rate, stroke volume, and peripheral resistance are important factors affecting blood pressure, the final parameters that directly produce blood pressure are influenced by neuroendocrine hormones. Therefore, choice D is the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are involved in the regulation of blood pressure but are not the final parameters that directly produce it.
When using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI), which step is most important for ensuring effective medication delivery?
- A. Exhale completely before using the inhaler
- B. Inhale quickly while pressing down on the inhaler
- C. Shake the inhaler for 10 seconds before use
- D. Hold breath for 5 seconds after inhaling
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct step to ensure effective medication delivery when using a metered-dose inhaler (MDI) is to exhale completely before using the inhaler. This action helps create more space in the lungs for the medication to reach deeply into the airways. Inhaling quickly while pressing down on the inhaler (Choice B) may cause the medication to impact the throat rather than reaching the lungs. Shaking the inhaler for 10 seconds before use (Choice C) is important to mix the medication but not the most crucial step for effective delivery. While holding the breath for 5 seconds after inhaling (Choice D) can help the medication stay in the lungs momentarily, exhaling completely before inhalation is more critical for optimal drug deposition.
The nurse is monitoring a client with an IV infusion in the left antecubital fossa. The site is warm, red, and without swelling. What conclusion should the nurse draw from these findings?
- A. The IV fluids are infusing into the subcutaneous tissues
- B. The infusion pump is functioning properly
- C. The insertion date should be verified and the IV discontinued
- D. The site is inflamed and should be reported
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Warmth and redness at the IV site without swelling indicate a localized reaction, which is common and does not necessarily indicate infiltration of IV fluids into the subcutaneous tissues. The absence of swelling suggests that the IV is correctly placed. Therefore, the nurse should conclude that the infusion pump is functioning properly. Choice A is incorrect as warmth and redness alone do not indicate subcutaneous infiltration. Choice C is incorrect as discontinuing the IV solely based on warmth and redness without swelling is not necessary. Choice D is incorrect as the absence of swelling signifies a localized reaction rather than inflammation requiring immediate reporting.