Nursing Elites

1. The nurse is administering a calcium channel blocker. What is the primary effect of this medication on the cardiovascular system?

• A. Decreases heart rate
• B. Increases heart rate
• C. Increases blood pressure
• D. Decreases blood pressure

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Decreases blood pressure. Calcium channel blockers primarily work by relaxing the blood vessels, leading to a decrease in blood pressure. Choice A, 'Decreases heart rate,' is incorrect because calcium channel blockers do not significantly affect heart rate. Choice B, 'Increases heart rate,' is incorrect as calcium channel blockers do not have a primary effect of increasing heart rate. Choice C, 'Increases blood pressure,' is incorrect as the primary effect of calcium channel blockers is to decrease blood pressure by vasodilation.

2. The client is on furosemide (Lasix) and has a potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L. What is the nurse’s priority action?

• A. Administer potassium supplements.
• B. Hold the furosemide and notify the healthcare provider.
• C. Continue the current dose of furosemide.
• D. Decrease the dose of furosemide.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer potassium supplements. A potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia (low potassium levels). Furosemide (Lasix) is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. Therefore, the priority action is to administer potassium supplements to correct the imbalance. Option B is incorrect because holding the furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could further worsen the imbalance. Option C is incorrect as continuing the current dose of furosemide without addressing the low potassium level could lead to complications. Option D is incorrect because decreasing the dose of furosemide does not directly address the low potassium level that needs immediate correction.

3. The nurse is caring for a heart client on digoxin and notes a potassium level of 2.5. What is the appropriate priority nursing intervention?

• A. Do nothing as this is a normal potassium level.
• B. The potassium level is low so the nurse asks for an order for potassium.
• C. The nurse asks to check the digoxin level as low potassium can increase digoxin toxicity.
• D. The nurse stops the digoxin.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. When caring for a client on digoxin with a low potassium level, the priority nursing intervention is to check the digoxin level. Low potassium can increase the risk of digoxin toxicity. Checking the digoxin level will help determine if any adjustments to the medication regimen are needed to prevent potential harm. Choice A is incorrect as a potassium level of 2.5 is low, not normal. Choice B is not the priority as simply giving potassium may not address the underlying issue of potential digoxin toxicity. Choice D is not the initial action to take without assessing the digoxin level first.

4. Which heart chamber receives oxygenated blood from the four pulmonary veins and serves as a reservoir during ventricular systole?

• A. Right atrium
• B. Left atrium
• C. Right ventricle
• D. Left ventricle

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, Left atrium. The left atrium receives oxygenated blood from the lungs via the four pulmonary veins and acts as a holding chamber before the blood is pumped into the left ventricle. Choice A, Right atrium, is incorrect as it receives deoxygenated blood from the body via the vena cava. Choices C and D, Right ventricle and Left ventricle, are incorrect as they receive blood from the atria, not the pulmonary veins.

5. When administering dobutamine to a client, what is the most important parameter to assess?

• A. Blood pressure
• B. Heart rate
• C. Oxygen saturation
• D. Respiratory rate

Correct answer: A

Rationale: When giving dobutamine, the most critical parameter to assess is blood pressure. Dobutamine is known to cause significant changes in blood pressure, making it essential to closely monitor this parameter to prevent adverse effects. While heart rate is also important to monitor, blood pressure takes precedence due to the potential for hemodynamic instability caused by dobutamine. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate, although vital signs to monitor, are not typically affected directly by dobutamine administration.

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