which electrolyte imbalance is most concerning in a patient taking digoxin

ATI RN

ATI RN Exit Exam Test Bank

1. Which electrolyte imbalance is most concerning in a patient taking digoxin?

A. Monitor potassium levels
B. Monitor calcium levels
C. Monitor sodium levels
D. Monitor magnesium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor potassium levels. Patients taking digoxin are at risk of developing toxicity due to hypokalemia. Low potassium levels can potentiate the toxic effects of digoxin on the heart, leading to serious arrhythmias. Monitoring calcium levels (Choice B) is not the primary concern in patients taking digoxin. While calcium levels play a role in cardiac function, hypocalcemia is not directly associated with digoxin toxicity. Monitoring sodium levels (Choice C) is important for other conditions but is not the primary concern in a patient taking digoxin. Monitoring magnesium levels (Choice D) is also essential, but hypomagnesemia is not as directly linked to digoxin toxicity as hypokalemia.

2. A nurse is providing teaching to a client who has a new prescription for atorvastatin. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?

A. Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
B. Take this medication with food to prevent stomach upset.
C. You should take this medication at bedtime.
D. You should take this medication on an empty stomach.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Avoid drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.' Grapefruit juice can increase the risk of toxicity when taken with atorvastatin. Choice B is incorrect because atorvastatin should be taken without regard to meals. Choice C is incorrect because atorvastatin can be taken at any time of the day. Choice D is incorrect because atorvastatin does not need to be taken on an empty stomach.

3. A nurse is providing dietary teaching to a client who is at risk for osteoporosis. Which of the following foods should the nurse recommend?

A. Broccoli
B. Bananas
C. Cheddar cheese
D. Whole wheat bread

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Cheddar cheese is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. Calcium helps strengthen bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis. Broccoli (choice A) is also a good source of calcium but not as high as cheddar cheese. Bananas (choice B) and whole wheat bread (choice D) do not provide significant amounts of calcium and are not as effective in preventing osteoporosis as cheddar cheese.

4. What is the best way to assess for fluid overload in a patient with heart failure?

A. Check daily weight
B. Check blood pressure
C. Monitor heart sounds
D. Assess for jugular vein distention

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to 'Check daily weight.' Monitoring daily weight is the most accurate method to assess for fluid overload in patients with heart failure. Weight gain can indicate fluid retention, a common issue in heart failure patients. Checking blood pressure (Choice B) can provide information about hemodynamic status but may not be as specific for fluid overload as monitoring weight. Monitoring heart sounds (Choice C) can provide information about cardiac function but may not directly assess fluid overload. Assessing for jugular vein distention (Choice D) can be a sign of increased central venous pressure but may not always correlate with fluid overload as accurately as daily weight checks.

5. Which lab value is critical for a patient on heparin therapy?

A. Monitor aPTT
B. Monitor INR
C. Monitor platelet count
D. Monitor sodium levels

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is to monitor aPTT. Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (aPTT) is crucial for patients on heparin therapy as it helps determine the clotting ability of the blood. By monitoring aPTT, healthcare providers can adjust the dosage of heparin to maintain therapeutic levels and prevent bleeding complications. Monitoring INR is more commonly associated with warfarin therapy, not heparin. Monitoring platelet count is important for assessing the risk of bleeding or clotting disorders but is not specific to heparin therapy. Monitoring sodium levels is not directly related to assessing the effectiveness or safety of heparin therapy.