Nursing Elites

1. The client on digoxin has a potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider.
• B. Administer the digoxin as ordered.
• C. Increase the dose of digoxin.
• D. Administer potassium supplements.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to hold the digoxin and notify the healthcare provider. A potassium level of 2.7 mEq/L is considered low and can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Holding the medication and informing the healthcare provider is crucial to prevent adverse effects. Administering the digoxin as ordered (Choice B) would put the client at a higher risk for toxicity. Increasing the dose of digoxin (Choice C) is not appropriate when the client's potassium level is low. Administering potassium supplements (Choice D) may be necessary but is not the priority action in this situation.

2. The client is on hydrochlorothiazide and digoxin. What effect can the nurse expect?

• A. Hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels.
• B. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels.
• C. Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity.
• D. Digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can decrease potassium levels, which in turn can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Digoxin typically doesn't impact hydrochlorothiazide levels or effectiveness, making choices A, B, and D incorrect. Choice A stating that hydrochlorothiazide increases digoxin levels is inaccurate. Choice B suggesting that hydrochlorothiazide decreases digoxin levels is also incorrect. Choice D, stating that digoxin can increase the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide, is not a typical interaction seen between these medications.

3. What is the procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent?

• A. Angioplasty
• B. Valve replacement
• C. Stent placement
• D. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG)

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is Angioplasty. Angioplasty is a procedure where a catheter is used to open a blocked or narrowed coronary artery, often involving the placement of a stent to keep the artery open and improve blood flow to the heart. Choice B, Valve replacement, is incorrect as it involves replacing a heart valve, not opening a blocked artery. Choice C, Stent placement, is similar to angioplasty but not as specific, as it does not involve the catheter-based procedure. Choice D, Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), is a different procedure where blocked arteries are bypassed using a blood vessel from another part of the body.

4. Which test measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions?

• A. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
• B. Chest X-ray
• C. MRI
• D. CT scan

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). An electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can detect arrhythmias and other heart conditions by recording the heart's electrical impulses. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because a chest X-ray is used to visualize the structures in the chest, an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is used to provide detailed images of organs and tissues, and a CT scan (Computed Tomography) is a type of imaging that uses X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body.

5. This is a test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, often used to assess respiratory function.

• A. Pulse oximetry
• B. Spirometry
• C. Arterial blood gas (ABG)
• D. Lung function test

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A, Pulse oximetry. Pulse oximetry is a non-invasive test that measures the oxygen saturation level in the blood, helping to assess respiratory and cardiovascular function. Choice B, Spirometry, measures lung function by assessing airflow and volume. Choice C, Arterial blood gas (ABG), evaluates the acidity, oxygen, and carbon dioxide levels in the blood. Choice D, Lung function test, is a broad term that may include various tests to assess lung health, but specifically measuring oxygen saturation is done through pulse oximetry.

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