The nurse is caring for a client on digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?
- A. Check the client's heart rate.
- B. Check the client's blood pressure.
- C. Check the client's respiratory rate.
- D. Check the client's oxygen saturation.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Check the client's heart rate. Before administering digoxin, it is crucial to assess the client's heart rate as digoxin can cause bradycardia or arrhythmias. Monitoring the heart rate helps to determine if the client is at risk of experiencing these adverse effects. Checking blood pressure, respiratory rate, or oxygen saturation is important but not as crucial as assessing the heart rate when administering digoxin. Bradycardia is a common adverse effect of digoxin, so assessing the heart rate is the priority.
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The client is on enalapril (Vasotec) for hypertension. What side effect is most commonly associated with this medication?
- A. Dry cough
- B. Hypotension
- C. Hyperkalemia
- D. Headache
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Dry cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor, which commonly causes a dry cough due to increased bradykinin levels. This side effect is well-documented in literature and can lead to medication non-adherence. Other choices (B) Hypotension, (C) Hyperkalemia, and (D) Headache are potential side effects of enalapril but are not as commonly associated as dry cough. Hypotension and hyperkalemia are more serious adverse effects that require monitoring, while headache is a less common side effect compared to dry cough.
What is a condition where the airways become swollen and produce extra mucus, making it difficult to breathe, often associated with COPD?
- A. Chronic bronchitis
- B. Pneumonia
- C. Emphysema
- D. Tuberculosis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by inflammation of the airways leading to excess mucus production.
2. It is a common symptom of COPD, obstructing airflow and causing breathing difficulties.
3. Pneumonia, emphysema, and tuberculosis do not primarily involve airway inflammation and mucus production as seen in chronic bronchitis.
What is a chronic condition where the airways in the lungs become damaged and widened, leading to mucus buildup and frequent infections?
- A. Bronchiectasis
- B. Chronic bronchitis
- C. Pneumoconiosis
- D. Asthma
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchiectasis. This condition involves permanent widening and damage to the airways, leading to mucus accumulation and recurrent infections. Chronic bronchitis (B) primarily involves inflammation of the bronchial tubes without permanent widening. Pneumoconiosis (C) is a group of lung diseases caused by inhaling mineral dust, not directly related to airway damage. Asthma (D) is characterized by reversible airway constriction and inflammation, not permanent widening like in bronchiectasis.
Which of the following is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by the irreversible obstruction of airflow?
- A. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- B. Asthma
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a chronic respiratory disease characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction due to conditions such as emphysema and chronic bronchitis. This is because COPD causes damage to the airways and alveoli, leading to decreased airflow. Asthma (B) is a chronic inflammatory disease with reversible airflow obstruction. Pulmonary edema (C) is caused by fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to difficulty in breathing but is not characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction. Bronchiectasis (D) involves the widening and scarring of the airways, leading to recurrent infections, but it is not specifically characterized by irreversible airflow obstruction.
The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone. What adverse effect is the nurse most concerned about?
- A. Pulmonary toxicity
- B. Liver toxicity
- C. Thyroid dysfunction
- D. Renal dysfunction
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Pulmonary toxicity. Amiodarone is known to cause potentially life-threatening pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and pulmonary fibrosis. The nurse must closely monitor the client for signs such as cough, dyspnea, and chest pain. Liver toxicity (B), thyroid dysfunction (C), and renal dysfunction (D) are also possible adverse effects of amiodarone, but pulmonary toxicity is the most concerning due to its severe and rapid progression. Monitoring and early detection are crucial to prevent serious complications.