Nursing Elites

1. A 4-month-old child taking digoxin (Lanoxin) has a blood pressure of 92/78; resting pulse of 78; respirations 28, and a potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L. The client is irritable and has vomited twice since the morning dose of digoxin. Which finding is most indicative of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Bradycardia
• B. Lethargy
• C. Irritability
• D. Vomiting

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Bradycardia (abnormally slow heart rate) is a key sign of digoxin toxicity. In this scenario, the child's symptoms of irritability, vomiting, along with the resting pulse of 78 despite being on digoxin, suggest an impending bradycardia due to digoxin toxicity. Lethargy can also be a sign, but in this case, the child is irritable rather than lethargic. Vomiting, though a symptom, is not as specific to digoxin toxicity as bradycardia. Irritability, while present, is not the most indicative finding of digoxin toxicity compared to bradycardia.

2. The nurse is teaching a client with cardiac disease about the anatomy and physiology of the heart. Which is the correct pathway of blood flow through the heart?

• A. Right ventricle, left ventricle, right atrium, left atrium
• B. Left ventricle, right ventricle, left atrium, right atrium
• C. Right atrium, right ventricle, left atrium, left ventricle
• D. Right atrium, left atrium, right ventricle, left ventricle

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct pathway of blood flow through the heart starts with blood entering the right atrium, moving to the right ventricle, then to the lungs for oxygenation, returning to the left atrium, and finally to the left ventricle before being pumped out to the body. Option A is incorrect as it starts with the ventricles instead of the atria. Option B is incorrect as it has the sequence of ventricles before atria reversed. Option D is incorrect as it has the atria and ventricles mixed up.

3. A client with heart failure is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following signs of digoxin toxicity?

• A. Tachycardia
• B. Hypotension
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Hyperglycemia

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bradycardia. Digoxin toxicity often presents with bradycardia, which is a common sign of toxicity associated with this medication. Tachycardia (Choice A) is not typically seen with digoxin toxicity. Hypotension (Choice B) can occur but is less specific to digoxin toxicity. Hyperglycemia (Choice D) is not a typical sign of digoxin toxicity. Therefore, monitoring for bradycardia is crucial in clients receiving digoxin to detect toxicity early.

4. The nurse is assessing a client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

• A. Decreased anteroposterior diameter
• B. Hyperresonance on percussion
• C. Increased breath sounds
• D. Prolonged expiratory phase

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Prolonged expiratory phase. In COPD, there is airflow obstruction leading to difficulty in exhaling air. This results in a prolonged expiratory phase. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. Decreased anteroposterior diameter is associated with conditions like barrel chest in emphysema, not COPD. Hyperresonance on percussion is typical in conditions like emphysema, not necessarily in COPD. Increased breath sounds are not a typical finding in COPD; instead, diminished breath sounds may be present due to air trapping.

5. What is the FIRST STEP for thermal protection of a newborn?

• A. Drying the baby thoroughly immediately after birth
• B. Covering the baby with a clean, dry cloth after the cord has been cut
• C. Drying the baby thoroughly after the cord has been cut
• D. Covering the baby with a clean, dry cloth immediately after birth

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct first step for thermal protection of a newborn is to dry the baby thoroughly immediately after birth. This helps prevent heat loss and is crucial in maintaining the baby's body temperature. Choice B, covering the baby with a clean, dry cloth after the cord has been cut, is not the initial step as drying the baby comes first. Choice C, drying the baby thoroughly after the cord has been cut, is also not the first step. Choice D, covering the baby with a clean, dry cloth immediately after birth, is not as effective as drying the baby to prevent heat loss.

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