What side effect should be monitored for in a patient with chronic heart failure taking spironolactone?
- A. Hypokalemia
- B. Hyperkalemia
- C. Hyponatremia
- D. Hypernatremia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly used in patients with heart failure. It works by blocking the aldosterone receptor, leading to potassium retention and potential hyperkalemia. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial as hyperkalemia can increase the risk of arrhythmias and other cardiac complications in heart failure patients.
A: Hypokalemia is incorrect because spironolactone typically causes potassium retention.
C: Hyponatremia and D: Hypernatremia are incorrect as spironolactone does not directly affect sodium levels.
In summary, monitoring for hyperkalemia is essential in patients with heart failure taking spironolactone to prevent adverse cardiac events.
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A patient with bipolar disorder is prescribed lithium. What dietary advice should the nurse provide?
- A. Increase intake of caffeine.
- B. Maintain a consistent salt intake.
- C. Avoid dairy products.
- D. Increase intake of green leafy vegetables.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Maintain a consistent salt intake. Lithium can affect sodium levels in the body, so it's important to maintain a consistent salt intake to prevent lithium toxicity or imbalance. Increasing caffeine intake (choice A) can worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. Avoiding dairy products (choice C) is not necessary for lithium therapy. Increasing intake of green leafy vegetables (choice D) is generally healthy but not specifically recommended for lithium therapy. Maintaining a consistent salt intake is crucial in managing the effects of lithium on sodium levels.
A patient with hyperthyroidism is to receive radioactive iodine therapy. What information should the nurse include in the patient teaching plan?
- A. Avoid close contact with pregnant women for one week.
- B. Take iodine supplement daily.
- C. Restrict fluid intake to 1 liter per day.
- D. Use disposable utensils for all meals.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The rationale is that radioactive iodine therapy can harm a developing fetus, so patients should avoid close contact with pregnant women for one week. Choice B is incorrect as iodine supplements can interfere with the therapy. Choice C is incorrect as fluid intake should not be restricted unless specifically advised by the healthcare provider. Choice D is incorrect as there is no need to use disposable utensils for all meals.
During an assessment, a healthcare professional suspects a client has cholecystitis. What is a common symptom of this condition?
- A. Right upper quadrant pain
- B. Left lower quadrant pain
- C. Generalized abdominal pain
- D. Epigastric pain
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Right upper quadrant pain. Cholecystitis is inflammation of the gallbladder, typically caused by gallstones. The gallbladder is located in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen, so pain in this area is a common symptom. The pain may also radiate to the back or right shoulder. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not typically align with the specific location of the gallbladder or the characteristic pain associated with cholecystitis.
Why is a low-protein diet recommended for a patient with renal failure?
- A. To prevent fluid overload
- B. To reduce nitrogenous waste
- C. To maintain electrolyte balance
- D. To prevent hyperglycemia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: To reduce nitrogenous waste. In renal failure, the kidneys cannot effectively filter waste products like urea and creatinine, leading to their accumulation in the blood. A low-protein diet reduces the production of these nitrogenous wastes, lessening the burden on the kidneys.
A low-protein diet does not directly prevent fluid overload (A), maintain electrolyte balance (C), or prevent hyperglycemia (D) in renal failure. These functions are typically managed through other dietary modifications and treatments specific to each condition.
What skin care instructions should the nurse give to a patient receiving external beam radiation therapy for cancer treatment?
- A. Use a heating pad to relieve any pain in the treated area.
- B. Apply alcohol-based lotions to the treated area daily.
- C. Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight.
- D. Wash the treated area with hot water and strong soap.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoid exposing the treated area to sunlight. This is important because radiation therapy can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight, leading to increased risk of sunburn and skin damage. Sun exposure can worsen skin reactions and delay healing. Choice A is incorrect because heat sources like heating pads can exacerbate skin irritation. Choice B is incorrect as alcohol-based lotions can further irritate the skin. Choice D is incorrect as hot water and strong soap can be too harsh on the sensitive skin. Overall, protecting the treated area from sunlight is crucial for optimal skin care during radiation therapy.
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