A nurse is admitting a client who has acute heart failure following myocardial infarction (MI). The nurse recognizes that which of the following prescriptions by the provider requires clarification?
Laboratory testing of serum potassium upon admission
Bumetanide 1 mg IV bolus every 12 hr
0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuous
Morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus every 2 hr PRN pain
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because laboratory testing of serum potassium upon admission is an appropriate prescription for a client who has acute heart failure following MI. Serum potassium is an electrolyte that affects the cardiac function and rhythm. A normal serum potassium range is 3.5 to 5 mEq/L, and an abnormal level can indicate hypokalemia or hyperkalemia, which can cause arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis. Therefore, monitoring serum potassium is important to detect and correct any electrolyte imbalance and prevent complications.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because bumetanide 1 mg IV bolus every 12 hr is an appropriate prescription for a client who has acute heart failure following MI. Bumetanide is a loop diuretic that helps to reduce fluid retention and edema by increasing the urine output and sodium excretion. It may be used for clients who have heart failure, hypertension, or renal impairment, but it can cause hypokalemia, hypotension, or dehydration.
Therefore, administering bumetanide as prescribed can help to improve the cardiac output and reduce the preload and afterload.
Choice C Reason: This choice is correct because 0.9% normal saline IV at 50 mL/hr continuous is an inappropriate prescription for a client who has acute heart failure following MI. 0.9% normal saline is an isotonic solution that contains the same concentration of solutes as blood plasma. It may be used for clients who have fluid loss, dehydration, or shock, but it can worsen fluid overload and pulmonary edema in clients who have acute heart failure. Therefore, clarifying this prescription with the provider is necessary to prevent further deterioration of the client's condition.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because morphine sulfate 2 mg IV bolus every 2 hr PRN pain is an appropriate prescription for a client who has acute heart failure following MI. Morphine sulfate is an opioid analgesic that helps to relieve pain and anxiety by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain and spinal cord. It may be used for clients who have moderate to severe pain, dyspnea, or chest discomfort, but it can cause respiratory depression, hypotension, or nausea. Therefore, administering morphine sulfate as prescribed can help to reduce the oxygen demand and improve the cardiac function.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because warm, flushed skin is not a sign of respiratory acidosis. Warm, flushed skin may indicate fever, infection, inflammation, or allergic reaction, but it does not reflect the acid-base imbalance in the blood.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because hyperactive deep tendon reflexes are not a sign of respiratory acidosis. Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes may indicate hypocalcemia, hyperthyroidism, or spinal cord injury, but they do not reflect the carbon dioxide level in the blood.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because bounding peripheral pulses are not a sign of respiratory acidosis. Bounding peripheral pulses may indicate increased cardiac output, anxiety, or hyperthyroidism, but they do not reflect the pH level in the blood.
Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because widened QRS complexes are a sign of respiratory acidosis. QRS complexes are the segments on an electrocardiogram (ECG) that represent the depolarization of the ventricles. A normal QRS complex duration is 0.06 to 0.10 seconds, and a widened QRS complex duration is more than 0.12 seconds. A widened QRS complex may indicate hyperkalemia, which is a common complication of kidney failure and respiratory acidosis. Hyperkalemia is a condition in which the serum potassium level is higher than normal (more than 5 mEq/L). It may cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, or paralysis.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because monitoring the client's electrolyte levels is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
Choice B Reason: This is correct because suctioning saliva from the client's mouth is the highest priority, as it prevents airway obstruction and aspiration, which can lead to respiratory distress and infection.
Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because recording the client's intake and output is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because performing passive range of motion on each extremity is not the highest priority, as it does not address the immediate risk of airway obstruction or aspiration.
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