the client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath what is the nurses best response
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Nursing Elites

ATI RN

Cardiovascular System Exam Questions

1. The client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath. What is the nurse’s best response?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When a client on amiodarone reports shortness of breath, it can be indicative of pulmonary toxicity, a severe side effect associated with this medication. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider immediately to assess the situation and determine the appropriate course of action. Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone should not be dismissed as a common side effect. Instructing the client to monitor symptoms at home (Choice C) may delay necessary intervention. Suggesting the client reduce physical activity (Choice D) does not address the potential serious nature of the symptom and the need for prompt evaluation.

2. This is a test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, often used to assess respiratory function.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, helping to assess respiratory and cardiovascular function. Choice B, Spirometry, measures lung function by assessing airflow and volume. Choice C, Arterial blood gas (ABG), evaluates the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Choice D, Lung function test, is a broad term that may include various tests to assess lung health, but specifically measuring oxygen saturation is done through pulse oximetry.

3. Which condition is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pneumonia. Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in the lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing symptoms like cough, fever, and difficulty breathing. Bronchitis (choice B) is an inflammation of the bronchial tubes, not the air sacs in the lungs. Tuberculosis (choice C) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but does not always cause fluid accumulation in the air sacs. Cystic fibrosis (choice D) is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs but does not directly cause inflammation of the air sacs with fluid.

4. What is a condition where the heart beats too fast, reducing its ability to pump blood effectively?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Tachycardia is the correct answer because it is a condition characterized by a fast heart rate, which can decrease the heart's efficiency in pumping blood. Bradycardia, on the other hand, refers to a slow heart rate, which is the opposite of what is described in the question. Arrhythmia is a general term for any irregularity in the heart's rhythm, not necessarily specifically related to a fast heart rate. Ventricular fibrillation is a life-threatening arrhythmia where the heart's lower chambers quiver instead of pumping blood effectively, but it is not specifically characterized by a fast heart rate.

5. What is a device that delivers a fine spray of medication into the airways?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A nebulizer is a device that converts liquid medication into a fine mist, allowing it to be inhaled directly into the lungs. This makes it the correct answer to the question. Choice B, an inhaler, delivers medication in a different form - as a pressurized dose that needs to be inhaled. Choice C, an oxygen concentrator, is used to deliver oxygen to patients with breathing difficulties but does not deliver medication. Choice D, a peak flow meter, is used to measure how fast air can be blown out of the lungs and is not involved in delivering medication.

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