a nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for spironolactone which of the following findings should the nurse report

ATI RN

ATI Exit Exam

1. A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who has a prescription for spironolactone. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?

A. Potassium 5.0 mEq/L
B. Blood pressure 136/84 mm Hg
C. Sodium 140 mEq/L
D. Calcium 9.5 mg/dL

Correct answer: A

Rationale: A potassium level of 5.0 mEq/L is at the upper limit of normal and should be monitored closely in clients taking spironolactone, which is potassium-sparing. Elevated potassium levels can lead to hyperkalemia, especially in individuals on potassium-sparing diuretics like spironolactone. Monitoring and reporting high potassium levels are crucial to prevent potential complications such as cardiac arrhythmias. Blood pressure (choice B), sodium level (choice C), and calcium level (choice D) are not directly related to the use of spironolactone and do not require immediate reporting in this scenario.

2. Which medication is commonly prescribed for a patient with hypertension?

A. Lisinopril
B. Metformin
C. Atorvastatin
D. Aspirin

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Lisinopril. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor commonly prescribed to patients with hypertension to manage their blood pressure. Metformin is used to treat type 2 diabetes, not hypertension (choice B). Atorvastatin is a statin used to lower cholesterol levels, not primarily prescribed for hypertension (choice C). Aspirin is used for its antiplatelet effects and in preventing cardiovascular events, but it is not a first-line treatment for hypertension (choice D). Therefore, Lisinopril is the most suitable choice for a patient with hypertension.

3. How should a healthcare professional manage a patient with non-compliance to hypertension medication?

A. Provide education on medication
B. Refer the patient to a specialist
C. Discontinue the medication
D. Reassess the patient in 6 months

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Providing education on medication is crucial when managing a patient with non-compliance to hypertension medication. By educating the patient on the importance of adherence, potential side effects, and the impact of uncontrolled hypertension, healthcare professionals can help improve the patient's understanding and compliance. Referring the patient to a specialist (Choice B) may be necessary in some cases but should not be the first step. Discontinuing the medication (Choice C) without exploring reasons for non-compliance and providing education can worsen the patient's condition. Reassessing the patient in 6 months (Choice D) is important but should be accompanied by interventions to address non-compliance in the interim.

4. A client who has a new prescription for omeprazole is being taught by a nurse. Which of the following client statements indicates an understanding of the teaching?

A. I should take this medication before meals.
B. I should take this medication with an antacid.
C. I should avoid taking this medication at bedtime.
D. I should take this medication with food.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. Taking omeprazole before meals is important as it improves the medication's effectiveness in reducing gastric acid production. Option B is incorrect as omeprazole should not be taken with antacids as it can interfere with its absorption. Option C is incorrect because omeprazole is usually recommended to be taken before breakfast, not at bedtime. Option D is incorrect as omeprazole is generally taken on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before a meal.

5. What is the appropriate action for a patient experiencing chest pain?

A. Administer aspirin
B. Reposition the patient
C. Check oxygen saturation
D. Prepare for surgery

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct action for a patient experiencing chest pain is to administer aspirin. Aspirin helps reduce the risk of clot formation in patients with chest pain, as it has antiplatelet effects. Repositioning the patient may not address the underlying cause of the chest pain. Checking oxygen saturation is important but not the initial priority in this scenario. Surgery is not typically the first-line treatment for chest pain without further assessment and diagnostic procedures.