A patient who has heart failure recently started taking digoxin in addition to furosemide and captopril. Which finding by the home health nurse is a priority to communicate to the health care provider?.
Weight increase from 120 pounds to 122 pounds over 3 days.
Serum potassium level 3.0 mEq/L after 1 week of therapy.
Palpable liver edge 2 cm below the ribs on the right side.
Presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
A weight increase from 120 pounds to 122 pounds over 3 days is within the normal fluctuation range.
Choice B rationale:
A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L after 1 week of therapy is concerning because it’s below the normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L)171819. This could indicate hypokalemia, which can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Choice C rationale:
A palpable liver edge 2 cm below the ribs on the right side could suggest an abnormality such as an enlarged liver.
Choice D rationale:
The presence of 1+ to 2+ edema in the feet and ankles could indicate conditions like heart failure or venous insufficiency.
So, the correct answer is Choice B, after analyzing all choices.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
In a patient with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough, auscultating the breath sounds would be the first action to assess for any abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the capillary refill would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
Choice C rationale:
Auscultating the abdomen would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
Choice D rationale:
Asking about the patient’s allergies would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
So, the correct answer is A, after analyzing all choices.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
The pain level of 3 to 5 on a scale of 0 to 10 does not specifically indicate chronic stable angina.
Choice B rationale:
Pain that has worsened over the last week could indicate a number of conditions, not specifically chronic stable angina.
Choice C rationale:
Pain that wakes a patient up at night could be a sign of a number of conditions, not specifically chronic stable angina.
Choice D rationale:
Chronic stable angina is characterized by chest pain that is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. Therefore, if the patient’s pain goes away with a nitroglycerin tablet, it would help confirm a diagnosis of chronic stable angina.
So, the correct answer is Choice D, after analyzing all choices.
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