Nursing Elites

1. A client with heart failure is receiving digoxin. Which finding should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing digoxin toxicity?

• A. Constipation
• B. Blurred vision
• C. Bradycardia
• D. Dry cough

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Bradycardia is a hallmark sign of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, can lead to toxicity manifesting as bradycardia. Bradycardia occurs due to the drug's effect on slowing down the heart rate excessively. Constipation (Choice A) is not typically associated with digoxin toxicity. Blurred vision (Choice B) is more commonly linked to visual disturbances caused by digoxin, but it is not a defining sign of toxicity. Dry cough (Choice D) is not a recognized symptom of digoxin toxicity. It is crucial for the nurse to recognize the early signs of digoxin toxicity to prevent serious complications and provide appropriate interventions promptly.

2. A client is scheduled for a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. The nurse should prepare the client by reinforcing information about which post-operative care measure?

• A. You will be on bed rest for the first 48 hours after surgery.
• B. You will be encouraged to cough and deep breathe frequently.
• C. You will be discharged within 24 hours if no complications arise.
• D. You will not be able to eat or drink for 24 hours after surgery.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Encouraging the client to cough and deep breathe frequently is essential post-operative care to prevent respiratory complications such as atelectasis and pneumonia after CABG surgery. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because post-CABG surgery, early mobilization is encouraged to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pneumonia. Discharge within 24 hours is unlikely after CABG surgery, and early oral intake is encouraged to promote recovery and prevent complications.

3. A client with known coronary artery disease (CAD) begins to experience chest pain while getting out of bed. What action should the nurse take?

• A. Obtain a prescription for pain medication.
• B. Have the client stop and lie back down in bed.
• C. Report the complaint to the healthcare provider.
• D. Instruct the client to continue getting out of bed and into a chair.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: When a client with CAD experiences chest pain, it indicates myocardial ischemia. The nurse should have the client stop the activity and lie back down in bed to reduce the heart's oxygen demand, decrease myocardial workload, and prevent further ischemia. This action helps in improving blood flow to the heart and can potentially alleviate the chest pain. Option A is incorrect as pain medication should not be the initial action for chest pain in CAD. Option C is incorrect because the nurse should first intervene directly to address the chest pain. Option D is incorrect as continuing the activity can worsen the myocardial ischemia and chest pain.

4. A client with atrial fibrillation is receiving warfarin (Coumadin). The nurse should reinforce which instruction?

• A. Avoid foods high in vitamin K.
• B. Increase intake of dairy products.
• C. Limit intake of high-fiber foods.
• D. Avoid protein-rich foods.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Avoid foods high in vitamin K. Clients taking warfarin need to be cautious with their vitamin K intake because vitamin K can counteract the effects of the medication. Therefore, it is essential to avoid foods high in vitamin K to maintain the therapeutic effects of warfarin. Choice B is incorrect because increasing dairy product intake is not specifically related to warfarin therapy. Choice C is incorrect as high-fiber foods do not interfere with warfarin therapy. Choice D is incorrect as protein-rich foods are not contraindicated with warfarin therapy.

5. A client has just completed an information session about measures to minimize the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). Which statement indicates an initial understanding of lifestyle alterations?

• A. I should take daily medication for life.
• B. I should eat a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.
• C. I should continue to smoke to keep the metabolic rate high.
• D. I should begin to exercise if the diet is not sufficient to achieve weight loss.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Choosing a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol is crucial for managing and preventing the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD). This dietary change can help reduce the risk of further complications associated with CAD, such as plaque buildup in the arteries. It is a fundamental lifestyle alteration that can positively impact the client's heart health. Option A is incorrect as relying solely on medication without lifestyle changes may not address the root cause of CAD. Option C is incorrect as smoking is harmful and worsens CAD. Option D is incorrect because exercise is a crucial part of a healthy lifestyle, but dietary changes should come first in managing CAD.

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