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
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D"]
Explanation
A) Potassium: CKD can lead to hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) as the kidneys lose their ability to excrete potassium effectively. Limiting potassium intake helps prevent elevated potassium levels and reduces the risk of cardiac arrhythmias.
B) Calcium: In CKD, impaired kidney function can lead to abnormalities in calcium and phosphorus metabolism, which can result in secondary hyperparathyroidism. Limiting calcium intake can help manage the imbalances in calcium and phosphorus levels.
(D) Phosphorus: Impaired kidney function in CKD leads to decreased phosphate excretion, resulting in hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus levels). High phosphorus levels can lead to bone disease and other complications, so limiting phosphorus intake is essential.
Iron (C) is not typically limited in the diet of a client with CKD unless they have iron overload or specific conditions that warrant iron restriction.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
In a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic acidosis is a common acid-base disorder due to impaired excretion of acid and decreased bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys. The arterial blood gas values associated with metabolic acidosis in CKD are a low pH (acidemia), low bicarbonate (HCO3-), and normal or low partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Option A fits this pattern, with a pH of 7.25 (acidic), HCO3- of 19 mEq/L (low), and a PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg (within the normal to low range).
Option B shows a pH of 7.30 (acidic) but with a higher bicarbonate level of 26 mEq/L, which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis. The elevated bicarbonate level suggests metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.
Option C has a pH of 7.50 (alkaline) with an elevated bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L and a low PaCO2 of 32 mm Hg. This set of values is indicative of metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.
Option D has a pH of 7.55 (alkaline) with an elevated bicarbonate level of 30 mEq/L and a low PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg. This set of values is indicative of metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.
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