The nurse is caring for a client on enalapril (Vasotec). What is the most important side effect to monitor?
- A. Cough
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hypotension
- D. Dizziness
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a dry, persistent cough as a common side effect. It is important to monitor for this because it can indicate a potentially serious adverse reaction called angioedema. Hyperkalemia (B) is a possible side effect of enalapril but is typically not as urgent to monitor as cough. Hypotension (C) is a common side effect but is usually monitored during the initial dose titration. Dizziness (D) is a less common side effect and is often transient. Monitoring for cough is crucial to detect and manage any potential angioedema promptly.
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Which test uses sound waves to create images of the heart, allowing doctors to assess its structure and function?
- A. Echocardiogram
- B. MRI
- C. CT scan
- D. X-ray
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to create images of the heart, providing detailed information about its structure and function in real time. It is a non-invasive and safe imaging technique commonly used to diagnose heart conditions. MRI (B) uses magnetic fields, CT scan (C) uses X-rays, and X-ray (D) uses electromagnetic radiation, but these techniques do not specifically use sound waves to image the heart.
Which of the following is a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and digestive problems?
- A. Cystic fibrosis
- B. Pulmonary fibrosis
- C. Pulmonary edema
- D. Bronchiectasis
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cystic fibrosis. This genetic disorder is characterized by the buildup of thick, sticky mucus in the lungs and digestive system. Step 1: Cystic fibrosis specifically mentions the thick, sticky mucus, which is a key characteristic of the disorder. Step 2: Pulmonary fibrosis is a different condition where lung tissue becomes scarred and stiff. Step 3: Pulmonary edema is the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, not mucus. Step 4: Bronchiectasis is a condition where the airways in the lungs become damaged and widened, not specifically related to thick mucus buildup.
During a home visit to an 88-year-old patient who is taking digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.25 mg daily to help control the rate of atrial fibrillation, you obtain this assessment information. Which assessment indicates that you need to notify the physician?
- A. The patient's apical pulse is 68 and very irregular.
- B. The patient takes the digoxin with meals.
- C. The patient's vision is becoming 'fuzzy'.
- D. The patient has lung crackles that clear after coughing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Visual disturbances can indicate digoxin toxicity, necessitating physician notification.
What is the condition where the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart, becomes inflamed, leading to chest pain and other symptoms?
- A. Pericarditis
- B. Myocarditis
- C. Endocarditis
- D. Pulmonary hypertension
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, causing chest pain.
2. Myocarditis is inflammation of the heart muscle, not the pericardium.
3. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers.
4. Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs, unrelated to pericardial inflammation.
In conclusion, pericarditis is the correct answer as it specifically refers to the inflammation of the pericardium, leading to chest pain.
What is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock?
- A. Anaphylaxis
- B. Asthma attack
- C. Bronchospasm
- D. Hypersensitivity
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can cause difficulty breathing and shock due to the body's extreme immune response to an allergen. It involves a systemic release of histamine and other chemicals leading to symptoms like swelling, hives, and a drop in blood pressure. Asthma attack (B) is a respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation and narrowing, but it is not necessarily related to an allergic reaction. Bronchospasm (C) refers to the sudden constriction of the muscles lining the airways, which can occur in asthma or other respiratory conditions, but it is not specific to an allergic reaction. Hypersensitivity (D) is a general term for exaggerated immune responses, including allergies, but it does not specifically describe the severe and potentially life-threatening nature of anaphylaxis.