A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has recently developed atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days.

What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

Choice A rationale
Cracked lips are a symptom of Kawasaki disease, but they are more commonly associated with the subacute phase of the disease, not the acute phase.
Choice B rationale
Conjunctival hyperemia, or redness of the whites of the eyes, is a common symptom in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease. It typically presents as bilateral, non-exudative conjunctival injection, primarily in the bulbar conjunctivae.
Choice C rationale
A normal appearance is not typically seen in the acute phase of Kawasaki disease, which is characterized by a high fever and at least four of the five main symptoms, including conjunctival hyperemia.
Choice D rationale
Desquamation of the skin, or peeling, is a symptom of Kawasaki disease, but it typically occurs in the subacute phase, not the acute phase.

Choice A rationale
Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic often used in the treatment of pulmonary edema to help remove excess fluid from the body. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s fluid and electrolyte balance, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice B rationale
Captopril (Capoten) is an ACE inhibitor used to treat conditions like heart failure and high blood pressure. It can be beneficial in managing pulmonary edema by reducing the workload on the heart. It’s not typically necessary to question this medication.
Choice C rationale
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is a medication used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation. It’s important to question this medication before administration because digoxin has a narrow therapeutic index, meaning the difference between a therapeutic dose and a toxic dose is small. Therefore, it’s crucial to ensure the patient’s digoxin levels are within the therapeutic range before administering more of the medication.
Choice D rationale
Carvedilol (Coreg) is a beta-blocker used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. While it’s important to monitor the patient’s blood pressure and heart rate, it’s not typically necessary to question this medication.