Nursing Elites

1. Which medication is used to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes?

• A. ACE inhibitor
• B. Beta-blocker
• C. Diuretic
• D. Calcium channel blocker

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is an ACE inhibitor. ACE inhibitors are medications specifically designed to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events. Beta-blockers, diuretics, and calcium channel blockers are also used to treat high blood pressure, but ACE inhibitors are particularly effective in reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

2. Which condition is caused by a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body?

• A. Tuberculosis
• B. Pneumonia
• C. Legionnaires' disease
• D. Histoplasmosis

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but can spread to other organs. Choice B, Pneumonia, is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. Choice C, Legionnaires' disease, is a severe form of pneumonia caused by the Legionella bacteria. Choice D, Histoplasmosis, is a fungal infection caused by inhaling spores of the Histoplasma capsulatum fungus.

3. The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?

• A. Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.
• B. Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin.
• C. Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin.
• D. Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Anorexia can be a side effect of digoxin.' Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are commonly known side effects of digoxin. Choice B, 'Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as digoxin is used to treat tachycardia, not cause it. Choice C, 'Constipation can be a side effect of digoxin,' is incorrect as constipation is not a typical side effect of digoxin. Choice D, 'Urinary retention can be a side effect of digoxin,' is also incorrect as urinary retention is not a common side effect associated with digoxin use.

4. The nurse is administering a beta blocker to a client with a heart rate of 50 bpm. What is the priority action?

• A. Hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the beta blocker as ordered.
• C. Decrease the dose of the beta blocker.
• D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action is to hold the beta blocker and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 50 bpm is already low, and beta blockers can further decrease the heart rate, potentially causing adverse effects like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the beta blocker as ordered (Choice B) can exacerbate the low heart rate. Decreasing the dose of the beta blocker (Choice C) may not be sufficient to address the potential harm. Monitoring the client’s heart rate and reassessing in 30 minutes (Choice D) may delay necessary interventions if the heart rate drops further. Therefore, the priority is to hold the medication and seek guidance from the healthcare provider.

5. The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with a heart rate of 45 bpm. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• D. Monitor the client’s heart rate and reassess in 30 minutes.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A heart rate of 45 bpm is already low, and digoxin can further decrease the heart rate, leading to serious complications like bradycardia or heart block. Administering the medication can exacerbate the bradycardia, hence it should be withheld. Increasing the dose of digoxin is contraindicated due to the client's low heart rate. Monitoring the heart rate alone without taking immediate action to withhold the medication is not the priority when faced with the risk of further lowering the heart rate.

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