A 72-year-old female has a history of right heart failure caused by a right ventricular myocardial infarction. Which of the following symptoms are specifically related to her right heart failure?

Choice A reason: This is the correct instruction by the nurse. Nausea and vomiting are signs of digoxin toxicity, which can be life-threatening. The patient should report these symptoms to their health care provider as soon as possible and have their digoxin level checked.

Choice B reason: This is not a correct instruction by the nurse. Auditory hallucinations are not common adverse effects of digoxin. They are more likely to occur with other drugs, such as antipsychotics or opioids.

Choice C reason: This is not a correct instruction by the nurse. Decreasing the amount of high-potassium foods can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity, as potassium competes with digoxin for binding sites on the cardiac cells. The patient should maintain a normal potassium intake and avoid sudden changes in their diet.

Choice D reason: This is not a correct instruction by the nurse. Omitting the dose of digoxin if the pulse is 70 can lead to underdosing and ineffective treatment of heart failure. The patient should only omit the dose of digoxin if their pulse is below 60, as this indicates bradycardia, which is another sign of digoxin toxicity.

Choice A reason: The patient should not use the glucocorticoid as needed when symptoms flare. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, not as a rescue medication.

Choice B reason: The patient does not need to use the beta2-adrenergic agonist drug daily even when they don't have any symptoms. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a short-acting bronchodilator that relaxes the smooth muscles of the airways and improves airflow. It should be used as needed for relief of acute symptoms, not as a maintenance medication.

Choice C reason: The beta2-adrenergic agonist does not suppress the synthesis of inflammatory mediators. The beta2-adrenergic agonist is a bronchodilator that acts on the beta2 receptors of the airways and causes relaxation of the smooth muscles. It does not have any anti-inflammatory effects.

Choice D reason: The glucocorticoid is used as prophylaxis to prevent exacerbations every day. This is the correct statement that indicates understanding of this medication regimen. The glucocorticoid is a long-term controller medication that reduces inflammation and prevents exacerbations of COPD. It should be used regularly as prescribed, along with the beta2-adrenergic agonist as needed for relief of acute symptoms.