the client on furosemide lasix has a potassium level of 31 meql what is the nurses priority action
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Cardiovascular System Exam Questions And Answers

1. The client on furosemide (Lasix) has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to administer a potassium supplement. A potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Therefore, the priority action is to address the low potassium level by administering a potassium supplement. Holding the furosemide (Choice B) may be necessary in the long term to prevent further potassium loss, but the immediate need is to correct the low potassium level. Continuing the current dose of furosemide (Choice C) without addressing the low potassium level can worsen hypokalemia. Administering Digibind (Choice D) is not indicated for low potassium levels; Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity.

2. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) to a client for DVT prophylaxis, what is the most important lab value to monitor?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Platelet count. When administering enoxaparin (Lovenox) for DVT prophylaxis, it is crucial to monitor the platelet count as enoxaparin can lead to thrombocytopenia, a decrease in platelet levels. Monitoring the platelet count helps in early detection of this potential adverse effect. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because PT/INR, aPTT, and hemoglobin levels are not the most important lab values to monitor specifically for enoxaparin administration and DVT prophylaxis.

3. Which artery supplies the right atrium, right ventricle, a portion of the septum, SA node, AV node, and inferior portion of the left ventricle?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is the right coronary artery. It supplies essential areas of the heart, including the right atrium, right ventricle, a portion of the septum, SA node, AV node, and the inferior portion of the left ventricle. The left circumflex artery primarily supplies the left atrium and lateral wall of the left ventricle, not the mentioned areas. The posterior descending artery supplies the inferior wall of the left ventricle, not the right side. The aortic artery is a general term and does not specifically refer to an artery that supplies the mentioned areas.

4. The client on spironolactone (Aldactone) has a potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Hold the spironolactone and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 5.6 mEq/L is high, indicating hyperkalemia. Spironolactone is a potassium-sparing diuretic that can further elevate potassium levels. Therefore, the priority action is to withhold the medication to prevent exacerbating hyperkalemia and notify the healthcare provider for further management. Option B is incorrect because administering potassium supplements would worsen the hyperkalemia. Option C is incorrect as continuing spironolactone can lead to a further increase in potassium levels. Option D is incorrect as increasing the dose of spironolactone would be inappropriate in the presence of elevated potassium levels.

5. What is a condition where the airways become inflamed and narrow, making breathing difficult?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Asthma is the correct answer. It is a condition characterized by inflammation, narrowing, and swelling of the airways, leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the bronchial tubes; Pleurisy is inflammation of the tissues that line the lungs and chest cavity; Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.

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