Which electrolyte imbalance should be closely monitored in a patient receiving digoxin?
- A. Monitor potassium levels
- B. Monitor sodium levels
- C. Monitor calcium levels
- D. Monitor glucose levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Potassium levels should be monitored closely in a patient receiving digoxin to avoid hypokalemia. Digoxin can increase the risk of developing life-threatening arrhythmias in the presence of low potassium levels. Monitoring sodium, calcium, or glucose levels is not specifically necessary for patients on digoxin, making choices B, C, and D incorrect.
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A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus about foot care. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
- A. Soak your feet in warm water daily.
- B. Wear cotton socks.
- C. Trim your toenails straight across.
- D. Apply lotion to your feet after bathing.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Trim your toenails straight across.' Trimming toenails straight across helps prevent ingrown toenails, which is important for clients with diabetes to prevent infections. Choice A is incorrect because soaking feet in warm water can lead to skin breakdown and infections. Choice B is incorrect as cotton socks can retain moisture, increasing the risk of fungal infections. Choice D is also incorrect as applying lotion between the toes can create a moist environment, increasing the risk of infections.
A nurse is caring for a client who is 1 day postoperative following a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
- A. Urine output of 30 mL/hr
- B. Pink-tinged urine
- C. Small blood clots in the urine
- D. Blood pressure of 114/78 mm Hg
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The presence of small blood clots in the urine is an expected finding after a TURP due to the surgical manipulation of the prostate bed and the bladder. However, larger clots can indicate excessive bleeding and should be reported promptly. Urine output of 30 mL/hr is within the expected range for post-TURP clients, indicating adequate kidney perfusion. Pink-tinged urine is also normal after a TURP due to minor bleeding from the surgical site. A blood pressure of 114/78 mm Hg is within normal limits and does not require immediate reporting.
A client is receiving discharge teaching for a new prescription of warfarin. Which statement by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?
- A. I will need to increase my intake of leafy green vegetables.
- B. I will avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking warfarin.
- C. I will have my INR checked regularly.
- D. I will take my medication at the same time each day.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Clients on warfarin therapy need to have their International Normalized Ratio (INR) checked regularly to monitor the medication's effectiveness and prevent complications like clotting or bleeding. Option A is incorrect because increasing leafy green vegetables can affect INR levels due to their vitamin K content. Option B is incorrect as grapefruit juice is not a significant concern with warfarin. Option D is important for medication adherence but does not specifically address the monitoring aspect required for warfarin therapy.
Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?
- A. Monitor aPTT
- B. Monitor INR
- C. Monitor platelet count
- D. Monitor sodium levels
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.
A nurse is planning care for a client who has a new diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
- A. Massage the affected extremity to promote circulation.
- B. Elevate the affected extremity.
- C. Apply cold packs to the affected extremity.
- D. Perform range-of-motion exercises on the affected extremity.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct intervention for a client with DVT is to apply cold packs to the affected extremity. Cold packs can help reduce swelling and pain by constricting blood vessels. Massaging the affected extremity can dislodge a clot and worsen the condition. Elevating the affected extremity helps with blood flow but is not the priority intervention for DVT. Performing range-of-motion exercises on the affected extremity can also dislodge a clot and is contraindicated.