Which disorder would the nurse recognize as the likely cause of right heart failure (cor pulmonale)?

Choice A reason: A nursing assistant is not typically qualified to verify and administer blood products. Their role primarily involves providing basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses.

Choice B reason: A physician's assistant (PA) is a licensed medical professional who can perform many tasks, but verifying and administering blood products is generally within the nursing scope of practice. The PA may assist but is not the primary person for this task.

Choice C reason: The unit secretary handles administrative tasks and coordination but is not involved in clinical tasks such as verifying and administering blood products.

Choice D reason: Another registered nurse (RN) is the appropriate team member to assist in checking a unit of packed red blood cells before administration. RNs are trained and qualified to perform this task, ensuring that the right blood type and unit are administered to the patient safely.

Choice A reason: Asking the patient about loose stools is important as it can help identify possible causes of fluid and electrolyte imbalances. However, this question alone would not be the immediate or primary action to take in response to generalized weakness.

Choice B reason: Suggesting that the healthcare provider order a basic metabolic panel is the most appropriate action. Potassium-wasting diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which can cause symptoms like generalized weakness. A basic metabolic panel will provide information on the patient's electrolyte levels, including potassium, and help determine if the weakness is due to an electrolyte imbalance. This allows for appropriate intervention to correct the imbalance and prevent further complications.

Choice C reason: Assessing for facial muscle spasms is relevant because hypokalemia can cause muscle cramps and spasms. However, it does not address the root cause of the weakness and does not lead to immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: Calling for a rapid response team is generally reserved for situations where the patient is experiencing acute, life-threatening symptoms requiring immediate intervention. Generalized weakness in the context of a patient on a potassium-wasting diuretic does not usually necessitate such an urgent response unless it progresses to more severe symptoms.