Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
Which type of medication helps to reduce blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels?
- A. Calcium channel blocker
- B. ACE inhibitor
- C. Beta-blocker
- D. Diuretic
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Calcium channel blocker. These medications work by blocking calcium from entering the smooth muscle cells of the blood vessels, causing them to relax and dilate, which leads to a decrease in blood pressure. ACE inhibitors (B) work by blocking the conversion of angiotensin I to angiotensin II, causing blood vessels to dilate. Beta-blockers (C) decrease heart rate and contractility but do not directly relax blood vessels. Diuretics (D) increase urine output to lower blood volume and pressure but do not directly act on blood vessels.
Which term refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, during which the chambers fill with blood?
- A. Diastole
- B. Systole
- C. Refractoriness
- D. Automaticity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Diastole. Diastole refers to the relaxation phase of the heart, allowing the chambers to fill with blood. During diastole, the ventricles are relaxed, and blood flows into them from the atria. Systole, choice B, is the contraction phase where the heart pumps blood out. Refractoriness, choice C, refers to the period when the heart cannot respond to a new stimulus. Automaticity, choice D, is the ability of the heart to generate its own electrical impulses. So, diastole is the correct term for the relaxation phase of the heart where chambers fill with blood, making it the correct answer.
The client is on a nitrate for angina. What is the most common side effect the nurse should monitor for?
- A. Headache
- B. Flushing
- C. Dizziness
- D. Nausea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Headache. Nitrate medications vasodilate blood vessels, including those in the brain, which can lead to headaches. It is the most common side effect and often subsides with continued use. Flushing is also a common side effect but not as prevalent as headaches. Dizziness and nausea are less common side effects associated with nitrates and are usually seen in a smaller percentage of patients compared to headaches. Monitoring for headaches is crucial to ensure patient comfort and compliance with the medication regimen.
Which condition is characterized by the weakening and rupture of the walls of the alveoli in the lungs, reducing the surface area available for gas exchange?
- A. Emphysema
- B. Bronchitis
- C. Atelectasis
- D. Pulmonary fibrosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale: Emphysema is characterized by weakening and rupture of alveoli walls, reducing gas exchange surface area. This leads to shortness of breath and decreased oxygen levels. Bronchitis involves inflammation of bronchial tubes, not alveoli. Atelectasis is the collapse of lung tissue, not alveoli weakening. Pulmonary fibrosis is scarring of lung tissue, not alveoli rupture. Therefore, A is correct due to its direct association with alveoli damage.
What is a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat?
- A. Heart block
- B. Atrial fibrillation
- C. Tachycardia
- D. Bradycardia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Heart block. Heart block refers to a condition where the heart's electrical impulses are blocked or delayed, leading to a slower or irregular heartbeat. This occurs when there is interference with the electrical signals that control the heart's rhythm as they travel through the heart's conduction system. Atrial fibrillation (B) is an irregular and often rapid heart rate that can occur due to chaotic electrical signals in the heart's upper chambers. Tachycardia (C) is a condition where the heart rate is too fast, not slower or irregular. Bradycardia (D) refers to a slow heart rate but not necessarily due to electrical impulse blockage.