Nursing Elites

1. A healthcare provider in a clinic is monitoring serum electrolytes for four older adult clients who take digoxin. Which of the following electrolyte values increases a client's risk for Digoxin toxicity?

• A. Calcium 9.2 mg/dL
• B. Calcium 10.3 mg/dL
• C. Potassium 3.4 mEq/L
• D. Potassium 4.8 mEq/L

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Potassium 3.4 mEq/L is below the expected reference range, which increases the risk for digoxin toxicity. Low potassium levels can lead to fatal dysrhythmias, particularly in older clients taking Digoxin. Hypokalemia potentiates the effects of Digoxin, making the heart more sensitive to its toxic effects. Monitoring and correcting electrolyte imbalances, especially low potassium levels, are crucial to prevent adverse effects of digoxin therapy. Calcium levels do not directly influence digoxin toxicity, so choices A and B are incorrect. High potassium levels, as in choice D, are less likely to increase the risk of digoxin toxicity compared to low potassium levels.

2. Which drug class has been found to decrease mortality if given within 8 hours of an MI due to a decrease in cardiac workload?

• A. Antiplatelets
• B. Beta-adrenergic blockers
• C. ACE inhibitors
• D. Calcium channel blockers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic blockers have been shown to decrease mortality when administered within 8 hours of a myocardial infarction (MI). They do so by reducing cardiac workload, which helps improve outcomes post-MI. These drugs work by blocking the effects of adrenaline on the heart, leading to decreased heart rate, blood pressure, and myocardial oxygen demand, thereby protecting the heart muscle from further damage. This makes them a crucial part of the treatment regimen for acute coronary syndromes like MI.

3. What is the therapeutic use of Albuterol?

• A. Bronchodilation
• B. Anti-coagulant
• C. Anti-arrhythmic
• D. Proton-pump inhibitor

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Bronchodilation. Albuterol is primarily used for bronchodilation, where it relaxes the muscles in the airways to make breathing easier. This medication is commonly prescribed for conditions such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and other respiratory conditions where bronchodilation is beneficial. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because Albuterol is not used as an anti-coagulant, anti-arrhythmic, or proton-pump inhibitor.

4. A client has a new prescription for Docusate Sodium. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

• A. Take the medication with a full glass of water.
• B. Expect results within 30 minutes.
• C. Take this medication at bedtime.
• D. Avoid taking this medication with food.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct instruction for a client prescribed Docusate Sodium is to take the medication with a full glass of water. Docusate sodium is a stool softener, and taking it with water helps to soften the stool and make bowel movements easier. Adequate fluid intake is crucial when taking stool softeners to prevent constipation. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. B is incorrect because the effects of Docusate Sodium may not be immediate, and it may take a couple of days for the stool softener to work. Choice C is incorrect as there is no specific requirement to take this medication at bedtime. Choice D is incorrect because there is no instruction to avoid taking Docusate Sodium with food.

5. A client has a new prescription for Valsartan. Which of the following adverse effects should the nurse monitor?

• A. Hyperkalemia
• B. Hypoglycemia
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hypercalcemia

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Rationale: Valsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) that can cause hyperkalemia by affecting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. The nurse should closely monitor the client's potassium levels due to the risk of hyperkalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac complications. Choice B, hypoglycemia, is not a common adverse effect of Valsartan. Choice C, bradycardia, is not directly associated with Valsartan use. Choice D, hypercalcemia, is not a typical adverse effect of Valsartan.

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