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.
The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?
- A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
- B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
- C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
- D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C because hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can lead to hypokalemia (decreased potassium levels), which increases the risk of digoxin toxicity as digoxin requires adequate potassium levels for proper function.
Choice A is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide does not increase digoxin levels. Choice B is incorrect because hydrochlorothiazide can actually increase digoxin levels due to potential electrolyte disturbances. Choice D is incorrect as digoxin does not affect the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.
Which condition is characterized by the sudden onset of shortness of breath, often occurring at night and associated with heart failure?
- A. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
- B. Sleep apnea
- C. Orthopnea
- D. Dyspnea
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea. This condition is characterized by sudden onset of shortness of breath at night, often associated with heart failure. It occurs when a person lies down due to fluid redistribution in the body, leading to increased pressure on the lungs and heart. Sleep apnea (B) is a separate condition characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. Orthopnea (C) is difficulty breathing while lying flat, relieved by sitting up. Dyspnea (D) is a general term for shortness of breath but does not specifically refer to the sudden onset at night associated with heart failure.
What condition is characterized by the inflammation of the pleura, causing sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing?
- A. Pleurisy
- B. Pericarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Myocarditis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pleurisy. Pleurisy is characterized by inflammation of the pleura, the lining surrounding the lungs, causing sharp chest pain exacerbated by breathing. Pericarditis (B) is inflammation of the pericardium, the lining around the heart, not the pleura. Endocarditis (C) is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the pleura. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not the pleura. Therefore, based on the symptoms described in the question, Pleurisy is the most appropriate diagnosis.
What is a condition where the lungs become stiff and scarred, making it difficult to breathe and get enough oxygen into the bloodstream?
- A. Pulmonary fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Pulmonary fibrosis is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by stiff and scarred lungs, leading to breathing difficulties and reduced oxygen intake. This occurs due to the formation of excessive connective tissue in the lungs, impairing their ability to expand and contract properly. Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, not scarring. Pulmonary embolism is the blockage of a blood vessel in the lungs by a blood clot. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the arteries of the lungs, not related to lung stiffness or scarring.