a nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a client who has heart failure which of the following laboratory values should the nurse report to the p

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam 180 Questions Quizlet

1. A healthcare professional is preparing to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure. Which of the following laboratory values should the professional report to the provider?

A. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L
B. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Magnesium 2.0 mg/dL

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Sodium 140 mEq/L. An elevated sodium level can affect the effectiveness of digoxin therapy and may lead to toxicity. Therefore, it is crucial to report this value to the provider. Potassium, calcium, and magnesium levels are important as well, but elevated sodium can have a more direct impact on digoxin therapy in this scenario.

2. A nurse is assessing a client who is 48 hours postoperative following abdominal surgery. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing.
B. Temperature of 37.8°C (100°F).
C. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours.
D. WBC count of 15,000/mm³.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. An elevated WBC count can indicate a potential infection, especially in a postoperative client. This finding should be reported to the provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are common occurrences in postoperative clients and may not necessarily indicate a severe issue. Serosanguineous drainage on the surgical dressing is a normal finding in the immediate postoperative period. A temperature of 37.8°C (100°F) can be a mild fever, which is common postoperatively due to the body's response to tissue injury. Urine output of 75 mL in the past 4 hours may be within normal limits for a postoperative client, especially if they are still recovering from anesthesia.

3. What should be monitored when administering opioids to a patient?

A. Monitor blood pressure
B. Monitor respiratory rate
C. Monitor heart rate
D. Monitor oxygen saturation

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When administering opioids, monitoring the respiratory rate is crucial to detect any signs of respiratory depression, which is a serious side effect of opioid use. Monitoring blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation are important parameters to assess a patient's overall condition, but they are not the primary focus when administering opioids.

4. How should fluid balance be monitored in a patient receiving diuretics?

A. Monitor daily weight
B. Monitor intake and output
C. Check for edema
D. Monitor blood pressure

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Corrected Question: To assess fluid balance in a patient receiving diuretics, monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method. This is because diuretics primarily affect fluid levels in the body, leading to changes in weight due to fluid loss. While monitoring intake and output, checking for edema, and monitoring blood pressure are important aspects of patient care, they do not provide as direct and accurate information about fluid balance as daily weight monitoring specifically in patients on diuretics.

5. A client has a new prescription for levothyroxine. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Take this medication in the evening before bed.
B. Take this medication on an empty stomach.
C. Take this medication with a full glass of milk.
D. Take this medication with an antacid if you experience indigestion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct instruction when taking levothyroxine is to take it on an empty stomach. This enhances absorption and ensures the medication's effectiveness. Taking it with food or other substances, such as milk or antacids, can interfere with its absorption. Therefore, choices A, C, and D are incorrect.