a client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin what is the most important assessment before administering this medication
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Nursing Elites

HESI LPN

Adult Health 2 Exam 1

1. A client with a diagnosis of chronic heart failure is prescribed digoxin. What is the most important assessment before administering this medication?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is to assess the heart rate before administering digoxin. Digoxin can lead to bradycardia, making it crucial to evaluate the heart rate to prevent potential complications. Checking blood pressure (Choice A) is important but not as critical as assessing the heart rate in this context. Monitoring respiratory rate (Choice C) and measuring oxygen saturation (Choice D) are not the most crucial assessments before administering digoxin, as the primary concern with this medication is its impact on heart rate.

2. A client with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) is prescribed nitroglycerin. What is the primary action of this medication?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Nitroglycerin dilates coronary arteries, improving blood flow to the heart muscle. This helps increase oxygen supply to the heart tissue. Option A, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect because nitroglycerin does not directly affect heart rate. Option B, 'Lowers blood pressure,' is also incorrect as while nitroglycerin can lower blood pressure, its primary action in the context of MI is related to coronary artery dilation. Option D, 'Reduces myocardial oxygen demand,' is not the primary action of nitroglycerin in the treatment of myocardial infarction; its main action is to increase oxygen supply by dilating coronary arteries.

3. The healthcare provider is preparing to administer an intramuscular injection to an adult client. Which site is the preferred location for this injection?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The ventrogluteal site is preferred for intramuscular injections in adults due to its muscle mass and lower risk of nerve injury. The deltoid muscle is more commonly used for vaccines in adults, the vastus lateralis muscle is preferred in infants and young children, and the dorsogluteal muscle is associated with a higher risk of nerve injury and is no longer recommended for intramuscular injections.

4. The wife is observed shaving her husband's beard with a safety razor. What should the nurse do?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this situation, the nurse should encourage the wife to continue shaving her husband. The rationale behind this is that the wife is already performing the task, so abrupt interference may lead to potential harm or emotional distress. It is crucial for the nurse to carefully observe the situation and assess for any safety concerns. While teaching proper techniques (Choice B) is important, it can be addressed later in a non-critical manner to prevent skin irritation and injury. Advising to shave against the hair growth (Choice A) may cause skin irritation and cuts. Although demonstrating the correct procedure (Choice D) may be helpful, it is essential to consider the current dynamics and respect the wife's autonomy in caring for her husband.

5. A client with a chronic illness expresses frustration over their condition. What is the nurse's best response to support the client?

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best response for the nurse to support a client expressing frustration over their chronic illness is to validate their feelings and listen to their concerns (Option D). This approach helps acknowledge the client's emotions, demonstrates empathy, and establishes a therapeutic relationship. By validating the client's feelings and actively listening to their concerns, the nurse offers a supportive environment for the client to express their frustrations. Choices A, B, and C are not the best responses in this situation. While joining a support group, discussing a cure, or focusing on positive aspects can be beneficial interventions, the immediate priority is to validate the client's feelings and provide a space for them to express their frustrations.

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