The nurse administers amiodarone to a client with ventricular tachycardia. Which monitoring by the nurse is necessary with this drug? (Select all that apply)
QT interval
Heart rate
Respiratory rate
Heart rhythm
Urine output
Correct Answer : A,B,C,D,E
Choice A Reason:
Monitoring the QT interval is crucial when administering amiodarone because this drug can prolong the QT interval, increasing the risk of torsades de pointes, a potentially life-threatening type of ventricular tachycardia. Regular monitoring helps in early detection and management of this adverse effect, ensuring patient safety.
Title: Choice B Reason:
Heart rate monitoring is essential as amiodarone can cause bradycardia (slow heart rate). Continuous monitoring allows the nurse to detect any significant changes in heart rate and take appropriate actions, such as adjusting the medication dosage or providing interventions to manage bradycardia.
Title: Choice C Reason:
Respiratory rate monitoring is necessary because amiodarone can cause pulmonary toxicity, including interstitial pneumonitis and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). By keeping track of the respiratory rate, the nurse can identify early signs of respiratory complications and intervene promptly
Title: Choice D Reason:
Heart rhythm monitoring is vital since amiodarone is used to treat arrhythmias. Continuous electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring helps in assessing the effectiveness of the drug in controlling arrhythmias and detecting any new or worsening arrhythmias that may require immediate attention.
Title: Choice E Reason:
Monitoring urine output is important because amiodarone can affect renal function, especially in patients with pre-existing kidney conditions. Keeping track of urine output helps in assessing renal function and ensuring that the drug is not causing nephrotoxicity
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Pronation of the hands.
Pronation of the hands is not typically associated with decorticate posturing. Decorticate posturing is characterized by the flexion of the arms and wrists, with the hands often clenched into fists. Pronation refers to the rotation of the hands so that the palms face downward, which is not a feature of decorticate posturing.
Choice B Reason:
Extension of the arms.
Extension of the arms is more characteristic of decerebrate posturing, not decorticate posturing. In decorticate posturing, the arms are flexed and held tightly to the chest, not extended. This flexion is due to damage to the cerebral hemispheres, which affects the corticospinal tract.
Choice C Reason:
External rotation of the lower extremities.
External rotation of the lower extremities is not a typical finding in decorticate posturing. In decorticate posturing, the legs are usually extended and rigid, with the toes pointed. External rotation would indicate a different type of posturing or neurological condition.
Choice D Reason:
Plantar flexion of the legs.
Plantar flexion of the legs is a characteristic finding in decorticate posturing. This involves the toes pointing downward, which is a result of the increased muscle tone and reflexes due to the brain injury. This posture indicates severe damage to the brain, specifically the corticospinal tract.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E","F"]
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Weight gain is not typically associated with tuberculosis (TB). In fact, weight loss is a common symptom of TB due to the chronic nature of the infection and the body’s increased metabolic demands to fight the disease. Patients with TB often experience a loss of appetite and significant weight loss as the disease progresses.
Choice B Reason:
Low-grade fever is a common symptom of TB. The body’s immune response to the infection often results in a persistent low-grade fever, which can be one of the early signs of the disease. This fever is usually accompanied by other systemic symptoms such as night sweats and fatigue.
Choice C Reason:
Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can occur in patients with TB, especially if the infection has caused significant lung damage or if there is a large amount of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion). Dyspnea is a concerning symptom that indicates the need for further evaluation and treatment.
Choice D Reason:
Contusion, or bruising, is not a symptom associated with TB. TB primarily affects the lungs and can cause systemic symptoms, but it does not typically cause bruising. Contusions are more commonly associated with trauma or conditions that affect blood clotting.
Choice E Reason:
Lethargy, or a general sense of fatigue and weakness, is a common symptom of TB. The chronic nature of the infection and the body’s ongoing immune response can lead to significant fatigue. Patients with TB often feel tired and may have difficulty performing daily activities.
Choice F Reason:
Night sweats are a hallmark symptom of TB. Patients often experience drenching night sweats that can be quite severe. This symptom, along with fever and weight loss, is part of the classic triad of TB symptoms and is an important indicator for healthcare providers to consider TB in the differential diagnosis.
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