When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?
- A. Blood pressure
- B. Heart rate
- C. Oxygen saturation
- D. Respiratory rate
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering dobutamine, a medication that increases heart contractility, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure. This is because dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure, including hypotension or hypertension, which can have serious implications for the client's hemodynamic stability. Monitoring blood pressure allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication dosage to ensure optimal cardiovascular function. Heart rate (B), oxygen saturation (C), and respiratory rate (D) are also important parameters to monitor but are not the primary concern when administering dobutamine, as its effects on blood pressure are more critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.
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The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse's priority action?
- A. Administer potassium supplements.
- B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
- C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
- D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Rationale:
1. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss.
2. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications.
3. Priority is to address low potassium levels to prevent adverse effects like cardiac arrhythmias.
4. Administering potassium supplements helps to normalize potassium levels promptly.
Summary:
B: Holding furosemide without addressing low potassium can worsen the imbalance.
C: Continuing the current dose without addressing low potassium can lead to further depletion.
D: Decreasing furosemide dose before addressing low potassium can delay correcting the imbalance.
Which order should the nurse question?
- A. The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin.
- B. The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin.
- C. A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day.
- D. The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: The addition of a beta blocker with digoxin. When combined, beta blockers can enhance the effects of digoxin, leading to an increased risk of bradycardia and heart block. This combination can also exacerbate digoxin toxicity. Therefore, the nurse should question the addition of a beta blocker with digoxin to prevent potential adverse effects.
Incorrect choices:
A: The addition of a loop diuretic with digoxin - Loop diuretics may lead to hypokalemia, which can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity.
C: A digoxin dose of 0.125 mg per day - This is within the recommended dose range for digoxin and does not pose a significant concern.
D: The addition of an ACE inhibitor with digoxin - ACE inhibitors are commonly used in combination with digoxin and do not typically interact negatively.
When administering an ACE inhibitor to a client with heart failure, what is the expected outcome of this medication?
- A. Decreased blood pressure
- B. Increased heart rate
- C. Increased cardiac output
- D. Decreased heart rate
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased cardiac output. ACE inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. This leads to improved cardiac output, as the heart can pump more efficiently. Decreased blood pressure (choice A) is a common side effect due to vasodilation. Increased heart rate (choice B) and decreased heart rate (choice D) are not expected outcomes of ACE inhibitor use. Therefore, the most appropriate and expected outcome of administering an ACE inhibitor in heart failure is an increase in cardiac output, making choice C the correct answer.
What is a condition where the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?
- A. Stroke
- B. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Angina
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. This can result in brain cell damage or death. A transient ischemic attack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain with similar symptoms but resolves quickly without causing permanent damage. Myocardial infarction is a heart attack caused by blockage of blood flow to the heart muscle, not the brain. Angina is chest pain due to reduced blood flow to the heart, not the brain. Thus, only a stroke directly involves the interruption of blood supply to the brain, making it the correct answer.
What is a condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from getting oxygen and nutrients?
- A. Stroke
- B. Heart attack
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Pneumonia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Stroke. A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain tissue not receiving enough oxygen and nutrients. This can result in permanent brain damage or even death.
Choice B: Heart attack, involves a blockage in the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle, not the brain.
Choice C: Pulmonary embolism, is a blockage in the arteries of the lungs, not the brain.
Choice D: Pneumonia, is an infection in the lungs and does not directly involve the brain's blood supply.
In summary, a stroke specifically affects the brain's blood supply and can lead to serious consequences, unlike the other conditions mentioned.