A patient with heart failure has recently started taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Palpable liver edge 2 cm below the ribs on the right side.

Serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L after 1 week of therapy.

Weight increase from 120 pounds to 122 pounds over 3 days.

Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
While palpating the liver edge can provide information about liver health and potential fluid accumulation, it is not typically a priority assessment for a patient taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril.
Choice B rationale
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is low (hypokalemia). This is a critical finding because both Digoxin and Furosemide can cause hypokalemia. Hypokalemia increases the risk of digoxin toxicity, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice C rationale
While weight gain may indicate worsening heart failure, a gain of 2 pounds over 3 days is not typically considered significant. However, any sudden or unexplained weight gain should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Choice D rationale
Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles could indicate worsening heart failure, but it is not as immediately concerning as hypokalemia in a patient taking Digoxin and Furosemide.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The patient with a blood pressure of 116/42 mm Hg has a mean arterial pressure (MAP) of approximately 67 mm Hg, which is less than the standard policy of 70 mm Hg. This could indicate inadequate blood flow to the vital organs, necessitating notification of the healthcare provider.

A. Encourage exercise to increase heart rate. B. Administer a diuretic to decrease volume. C. Give an antibiotic to decrease infection. D. Apply oxygen to increase myocardial oxygen supply.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Encouraging exercise to increase heart rate in a patient with myocardial ischemia could potentially worsen the condition. Exercise increases the demand for oxygen in the heart, which may not be met due to the reduced blood flow in ischemia, potentially leading to further damage.
Choice B rationale
Administering a diuretic to decrease volume is not the most beneficial intervention for a patient with myocardial ischemia. While diuretics can reduce the workload of the heart by decreasing blood volume, they do not directly address the issue of reduced blood flow to the heart muscle that characterizes ischemia.
Choice C rationale
Giving an antibiotic to decrease infection is not relevant in this context. Myocardial ischemia is not caused by an infection, but by a reduction in blood flow to the heart muscle, often due to a blockage in one or more of the coronary arteries.
Choice D rationale
Applying oxygen to increase myocardial oxygen supply is the most beneficial intervention for a patient with myocardial ischemia. Oxygen therapy can help to meet the oxygen demand of the heart muscle when blood flow is reduced, alleviating symptoms and preventing further damage.

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A patient with heart failure has recently started taking Digoxin (Lanoxin), Furosemide (Lasix), and Captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The standard policy on the cardiac unit states, “Notify the health care provider for mean arterial pressure (MAP) less than 70 mm Hg.”. Which patient should the nurse call the health care provider about?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A 49-year-old male presents with chest pain. An EKG reveals ST elevation, and he is diagnosed with myocardial ischemia. Which of the following interventions would be most beneficial for this patient?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

After receiving the shift change report about four patients in the cardiac care unit, which patient should the nurse prioritize for assessment?

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A nurse is caring for a client who has developed cardiac tamponade. Which of the following symptoms should the nurse expect to observe?

A 56-year-old individual visits his primary care provider for a routine checkup.The physical examination reveals edema, an enlarged liver (hepatomegaly), and muffled heart sounds. Which of the following findings should the nurse be most concerned about?