After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

Client who is taking digoxin and has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L

Client who is taking captopril and has a frequent nonproductive cough

Client who is taking carvedilol (Coreg) and has a heart rate of 58

Client who is taking isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (BiDil) and has a headache

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

The client taking isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine (BiDil) and experiencing a headache should be assessed first. Isosorbide dinitrate/hydralazine is a medication combination used to treat heart failure, particularly in African American patients. However, one of the side effects of hydralazine is headaches.

Headache in a client taking this medication may indicate increased blood pressure as a compensatory response to vasodilation. If not addressed promptly, it may lead to worsening heart failure or other complications. Therefore, it is essential to assess the client's blood pressure, signs of worsening heart failure, and evaluate the severity and duration of the headache.

The other options may also require attention:

A) A client taking digoxin with a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L needs assessment, as hypokalemia can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. However, the headache in the BiDil client takes priority due to the potential complications related to increased blood pressure.

B) A client taking captopril and experiencing a frequent nonproductive cough may indicate a side effect of the medication. While it should be assessed, it is not as immediately concerning as the headache in the BiDil client.

C) A client taking carvedilol (Coreg) with a heart rate of 58 is within an acceptable range, especially if the client is tolerating it well without symptoms. It may not require immediate assessment unless there are other concerning symptoms.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a condition where the kidneys are damaged or unable to filter blood effectively over time, leading to a gradual loss of kidney function. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing CKD, and among them, diabetes and hypertension are the most common.

Diabetes is a significant risk factor for developing CKD. It can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood properly. Native Americans, along with other racial and ethnic minorities, are at a higher risk of developing diabetes compared to the general population.

While hypertension (high blood pressure) is also a risk factor for CKD, diabetes carries a higher risk. However, it's important to note that hypertension is often a comorbidity associated with CKD and can further worsen kidney function when present.

The other options listed (a 50-year-old white female with hypertension, a 40-year-old Hispanic female with cardiovascular disease, and a 28-year-old African American female with a urinary tract infection) are also at risk for CKD, but the 61-year-old Native American male with diabetes is at the highest risk based on the information provided. All patients should be educated about preventive measures to protect their kidney health, but special attention should be given to individuals with diabetes due to its significant impact on kidney function.

A. Dysrhythmias B. Anxiety and fear C. Metabolic acidosis D. Medication side effects

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), the highest priority for monitoring the patient is for dysrhythmias. After an MI, the heart's electrical system can be disrupted, leading to various types of abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias). Dysrhythmias can be life-threatening and require prompt recognition and intervention.

Other options:

B) Anxiety and fear: Anxiety and fear are common emotional responses after an MI, but they are not the highest priority for monitoring during the immediate post-MI period. Emotional support and counseling are essential, but they do not require continuous monitoring.

C) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is not a common complication of an acute MI. It may occur in certain situations, such as when there is inadequate perfusion to tissues, but it is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period.

D) Medication side effects: Monitoring for medication side effects is important but is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period. Many patients will receive medications to manage pain, reduce clot formation, and stabilize their heart function. The nurse should monitor for side effects but not as a higher priority compared to dysrhythmias.

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After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which client should the nurse assess first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which patient is most likely to develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) and should be taught preventive measures by the nurse?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), a nurse should assign the highest priority to monitoring the patient for what complication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who was admitted with syncopal episodes of unknown origin?

Which topic will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a client who has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?

client with acute coronary syndrome has returned to the coronary care unit after having angioplasty with stent placement. Which assessment data indicate the need for immediate action by the nurse?

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has new onset atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

A patient is apneic and has no palpable pulses. The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia, rate 132. What action should the nurse take next?

Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a client newly diagnosed with hypertension?

A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who has chronic kidney disease (CKD). The nurse should instruct the client to limit which of the following nutrients? (Select all that apply.)

Which electrocardiographic (ECG) change by a client with chest pain is most important for the nurse to report rapidly to the health care provider?