A patient with a history of heart failure presents at the emergency department reporting fatigue and weakness. The patient has been taking 50 mg spironolactone tablets orally every day.

The nurse receives a lab report indicating the patient’s serum potassium level is 6.2 mEq/L (6.2 mmol/L). What is the most important intervention for the nurse to implement?

Compare muscle strength bilaterally.

Observe the color and amount of urine.

Determine the apical pulse rate and rhythm.

Assess the strength of deep tendon reflexes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A rationale
Comparing muscle strength bilaterally is not the most important intervention in this situation. While muscle weakness can be a symptom of hyperkalemia, it is not the most immediate concern. Hyperkalemia can lead to life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias, which is a more immediate threat to the patient’s life.

Choice B rationale

Observing the color and amount of urine can provide information about the patient’s renal function, which is important in the regulation of potassium. However, this is not the most immediate concern when a patient’s serum potassium level is dangerously high.

Choice C rationale
Determining the apical pulse rate and rhythm is the most important intervention. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac dysrhythmias, so the nurse should immediately assess the patient’s heart rate and rhythm. The nurse should also place the patient on a cardiac monitor, if not already done, and notify the healthcare provider immediately.

Choice D rationale
Assessing the strength of deep tendon reflexes can provide information about neuromuscular function, which can be affected by hyperkalemia. However, this is not the most immediate concern. The nurse’s priority is to assess and monitor for life-threatening cardiac dysrhythmias.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Nadolol is a beta-blocker that can decrease heart rate and contractility, which can potentially exacerbate heart failure and lead to cardiogenic shock.

Choice B rationale

Captopril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor that is often used in the treatment of heart failure. It works by relaxing blood vessels and reducing the workload of the heart.

Choice C rationale

Digoxin is a cardiac glycoside that is used to treat heart failure and certain heart arrhythmias. It works by increasing the force of the heart’s contractions, which can improve heart function.

Choice D rationale

Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that is often used in the treatment of heart failure. It works by helping the body get rid of excess fluid, which can reduce the workload of the heart.

A. You made a promise to your mother that you need to keep. B. Moving your mother into a care facility will show her that you do not love her. C. Helping your mother should be easier than raising a child. D. Involve your mother in the decision-making process. E. It is okay not to love or like your mother when you are caring for her. F. Take time for yourself and the other relationships that you care about. G. Saying “no” to things involving the care of your mother is a selfish action.

Correct Answer is ["D","E","F"]

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While it’s important to honor commitments, it’s also crucial to recognize when the caregiving role becomes too stressful or burdensome. Insisting on keeping a promise despite significant stress can lead to caregiver burnout.
Choice B rationale

This statement is not accurate. Moving a loved one into a care facility is sometimes the best decision for both the caregiver and the care recipient. It does not reflect a lack of love, but rather a recognition of the need for professional help.
Choice C rationale
This statement is not accurate. Caring for an adult, especially one with health issues, can be more challenging than raising a child in many ways.
Choice D rationale
Involving the care recipient in the decision-making process can help maintain their autonomy and dignity. It can also make the caregiving process more manageable.
Choice E rationale
It’s normal to have mixed feelings about a loved one for whom you’re providing care. Acknowledging these feelings can be an important step in managing caregiver stress.
Choice F rationale
This statement is not accurate. Setting boundaries is an important part of self-care and can help prevent caregiver burnout.
Choice G rationale
This statement is not accurate. Setting boundaries is an important part of self-care and can help prevent caregiver burnout.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Which of these prescribed medications places the client at risk for cardiogenic shock?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Correct Answer is ["D","E","F"]

Explanation

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