Nokea
Which value should the nurse report immediately to the physician?
- A. Sodium: 137 mEq/L
- B. Potassium: 2.5 mEq/L
- C. Chloride: 97 mEq/L
- D. Bicarbonate: 25 mEq/L
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Potassium of 2.5 mEq/L (hypokalemia) is critical, especially with diuretics, risking arrhythmias.
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After providing medication instructions, the best evidence that the client knows this drug's potential side effects is when the client states it may cause which adverse effect?
- A. Muscle pain
- B. Palpitations
- C. Visual images
- D. Weight loss
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Atorvastatin (Lipitor) can cause muscle pain (myalgia) as a common side effect, potentially progressing to rhabdomyolysis in severe cases.
Which assessment finding is most closely correlated with an evolving MI?
- A. Nausea
- B. Facial flushing
- C. Severe headache
- D. Coughing up pink-tinged mucus
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Nausea is a common symptom of myocardial infarction due to vagal stimulation or pain-induced stress response.
A client has an elevated AST 24 hours following chest pain and shortness of breath. This is suggestive of which of the following?
- A. Gallbladder disease
- B. Liver disease
- C. Myocardial infarction
- D. Skeletal muscle injury
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: AST is an enzyme released in response to tissue damage. The symptoms of chest pain and shortness of breath, along with elevated AST 24 hours later, are suggestive of myocardial infarction. AST rises after a myocardial infarction but may also rise with liver damage or skeletal muscle injury. Gallbladder disease typically presents with pain in the right scapula region and would not have an elevated AST.
An adult client is admitted to the hospital with peripheral vascular disease of the lower extremities. He has several ischemic ulcers on each ankle and lower leg area. Other parts of his skin are shiny and taut with loss of hair. A primary nursing goal for this client should be to do which of the following?
- A. Increase activity tolerance
- B. Relieve anxiety
- C. Protect from injury
- D. Help build a positive body image
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Protecting from injury is critical for a client with peripheral vascular disease and ischemic ulcers to prevent infection and further tissue damage. Other goals are secondary.
If the client is typical of others who have angina pectoris, the nurse should expect the client to report that chest pain is best relieved by which major medical measure?
- A. Taking a deep breath
- B. Resting in a chair
- C. Applying heat to the chest
- D. Rubbing the chest
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Angina pectoris is relieved by rest, which reduces myocardial oxygen demand, allowing blood flow to meet the heart's needs.