LPN LPN
LPN Pharmacology Assessment A
1. A client with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is prescribed theophylline. The nurse should monitor the client for which sign of theophylline toxicity?
- A. Drowsiness
- B. Bradycardia
- C. Nausea
- D. Constipation
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Nausea is an early sign of theophylline toxicity. The nurse should closely monitor the client for this symptom as it can progress to more severe toxicity. Nausea can be a warning sign to prevent further complications and adjust the dosage as necessary. Drowsiness (choice A) is a common side effect of theophylline but not a specific sign of toxicity. Bradycardia (choice B) and constipation (choice D) are not typically associated with theophylline toxicity. Therefore, the correct answer is C.
2. A client with chronic heart failure is being discharged with a prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin). Which instruction should the nurse reinforce?
- A. Take the medication at the same time each day.
- B. Avoid foods high in potassium.
- C. Skip a dose if you feel well.
- D. Take the medication on an empty stomach.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Taking digoxin at the same time each day is essential to maintain a consistent blood level of the medication. This consistency helps optimize the therapeutic effects of digoxin in managing chronic heart failure. Deviating from the scheduled time could lead to fluctuations in drug levels, affecting its effectiveness and potentially causing harm. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because avoiding potassium-rich foods, skipping doses when feeling well, and taking the medication on an empty stomach are not relevant or appropriate instructions for a client prescribed digoxin.
3. The nurse is teaching a client with coronary artery disease (CAD) about the risk factors for the disease. Which modifiable risk factor should the nurse emphasize?
- A. Family history
- B. Age
- C. Cigarette smoking
- D. Gender
Correct answer: C
Rationale: Cigarette smoking is a modifiable risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD) as it can be changed or controlled to reduce the risk of developing CAD. Family history, age, and gender are non-modifiable risk factors that cannot be changed. Emphasizing the importance of quitting smoking can help the client reduce their risk of CAD and improve their overall cardiovascular health. Therefore, the correct answer is C. Choice A (Family history), B (Age), and D (Gender) are non-modifiable risk factors and not the focus of modifiable risk reduction strategies in CAD prevention.
4. A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should monitor which laboratory test to determine the effectiveness of the therapy?
- A. Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR)
- B. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)
- C. Complete blood count (CBC)
- D. Fibrinogen level
Correct answer: A
Rationale: To monitor the effectiveness of warfarin therapy in a client with atrial fibrillation, the nurse should assess the Prothrombin time (PT) and international normalized ratio (INR) levels. These tests help determine the clotting ability of the blood and ensure that the client's anticoagulation levels are within the therapeutic range, reducing the risk of bleeding or clotting complications. Activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) (Choice B) is more commonly used to monitor heparin therapy. Complete blood count (CBC) (Choice C) provides information about the cellular components of blood but does not directly assess the effectiveness of warfarin therapy. Fibrinogen level (Choice D) is not typically used to monitor warfarin therapy; it reflects the level of fibrinogen in the blood, which is involved in the clotting process.
5. The LPN/LVN is assisting in the care of a client with a diagnosis of heart failure who is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin). Which laboratory result should the nurse monitor closely?
- A. Serum sodium
- B. Serum potassium
- C. Serum calcium
- D. Serum glucose
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is serum potassium. Monitoring serum potassium levels is crucial when a client is receiving digoxin (Lanoxin) because low potassium levels can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin and low potassium levels can lead to serious cardiac complications, such as arrhythmias. Therefore, close monitoring of serum potassium is essential to prevent adverse effects and ensure the safe administration of digoxin in clients with heart failure. Serum sodium, serum calcium, and serum glucose levels are also important laboratory values to monitor in clients with heart failure, but they are not directly associated with the risk of digoxin toxicity. Monitoring these values helps in assessing overall health status, fluid balance, and metabolic functions in the client.
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