LPN LPN
LPN Pharmacology
1. An ambulatory clinic nurse is interviewing a client who is complaining of flu-like symptoms. The client suddenly develops chest pain. Which question best assists the nurse in discriminating pain caused by a non-cardiac problem?
- A. Can you describe the pain to me?
- B. Have you ever experienced this pain before?
- C. Does the pain get worse when you breathe in?
- D. Can you rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the worst?
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. Pain that worsens with breathing in can indicate pleuritic chest pain, which is non-cardiac in nature. This specific question helps in differentiating non-cardiac causes from cardiac causes of chest pain, as cardiac pain typically does not worsen with breathing. Choices A, B, and D are less specific in discriminating between cardiac and non-cardiac chest pain.
2. Why should the client diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease be advised to notify the dentist before dental procedures?
- A. The client requires prophylactic antibiotics before treatment.
- B. The client may experience dysrhythmias with high-speed drills.
- C. The client may have an adverse reaction to lidocaine with epinephrine.
- D. The client may develop heart failure during stressful events.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Clients with rheumatic heart disease are at risk for infective endocarditis, a serious infection of the heart lining or valves. They need prophylactic antibiotics before invasive procedures, including dental work, to prevent this life-threatening complication. While dysrhythmias with high-speed drills, adverse reactions to local anesthesia, and the risk of heart failure during stressful events are all concerns for clients with heart conditions, the primary reason for notifying the dentist before dental procedures in rheumatic heart disease is the need for prophylactic antibiotics to prevent infective endocarditis.
3. Before administering digoxin (Lanoxin) to a client diagnosed with heart failure, the nurse should perform which assessment?
- A. Check the blood pressure.
- B. Obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- C. Assess the apical pulse.
- D. Review the latest electrolyte levels.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Assessing the apical pulse is crucial before administering digoxin because the medication can lead to bradycardia. Monitoring the apical pulse helps determine the heart rate, and digoxin is typically withheld if the pulse is below 60 beats per minute. This assessment is essential to prevent potential adverse effects associated with digoxin administration. Checking the blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not specific to digoxin administration. Obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) (Choice B) may provide valuable information but is not the primary assessment needed before administering digoxin. Reviewing the latest electrolyte levels (Choice D) is important for assessing the overall condition but is not the immediate assessment required before administering digoxin.
4. The LPN/LVN is assisting in caring for a client in the telemetry unit and is monitoring the client for cardiac changes indicative of hypokalemia. Which occurrence noted on the cardiac monitor indicates the presence of hypokalemia?
- A. Tall, peaked T waves
- B. ST-segment depression
- C. Prolonged P-R interval
- D. Widening of the QRS complex
Correct answer: B
Rationale: ST-segment depression can indicate hypokalemia, affecting the heart's electrical conduction. Hypokalemia leads to alterations in the repolarization phase of the cardiac action potential, resulting in ST-segment depression on the ECG. Tall, peaked T waves are indicative of hyperkalemia, not hypokalemia. A prolonged P-R interval is more commonly associated with first-degree heart block. Widening of the QRS complex is typically seen in conditions like bundle branch blocks or ventricular tachycardia, not specifically in hypokalemia.
5. A client being seen in the emergency department for complaints of chest pain confides in the nurse about regular use of cocaine as a recreational drug. The nurse takes which important action in delivering holistic nursing care to this client?
- A. Reports the client to the police for illegal drug use
- B. Explains to the client the damage that cocaine does to the heart
- C. Tells the client it is imperative to stop before myocardial infarction occurs
- D. Teaches about the effects of cocaine on the heart and offers a referral for further help
Correct answer: D
Rationale: In this scenario, the nurse should prioritize educating the client about the effects of cocaine on the heart and provide a referral for further help. This approach is crucial in addressing the root cause of the client's health issues and supporting them in making informed decisions about their health. Reporting the client to the police is not appropriate in this situation as the focus should be on the client's health and well-being. Simply explaining the damage without offering solutions may not effectively address the client's needs or promote holistic care. Telling the client to stop without providing support or education may not be as effective as teaching about the effects of cocaine and offering help for cessation. Therefore, educating about the effects and providing a referral for further assistance is the best course of action for holistic nursing care.
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