A patient who is taking digoxin is admitted to the hospital for treatment of congestive heart failure. The prescriber has ordered furosemide [Lasix]. The nurse notes an irregular heart rate of 86 beats/min, a respiratory rate of 22 breaths per minute, and a blood pressure of 130/82 mm Hg. The nurse auscultates crackles in both lungs. Which laboratory value causes the nurse the most concern?

Sodium level of 140 mEq/L

Oxygen saturation of 95%

Potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L

Blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: A sodium level of 140 mEq/L is within the normal range (135-145 mEq/L). While furosemide can cause hyponatremia, this value is not concerning. Hypokalemia is a greater risk with furosemide and digoxin, as it potentiates digoxin toxicity, making this choice less critical than potassium.

Choice B reason: Oxygen saturation of 95% is normal (95-100%). Crackles suggest pulmonary edema, but this saturation doesn’t indicate severe hypoxia requiring immediate action. Hypokalemia poses a greater risk with digoxin and furosemide, as it increases toxicity potential, making this choice less concerning.

Choice C reason: A potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L (normal: 3.5-5.0 mEq/L) indicates hypokalemia, exacerbated by furosemide’s diuretic effect. In digoxin use, low potassium increases cardiac toxicity risk, causing arrhythmias, especially with an irregular heart rate noted, making this the most concerning value requiring immediate attention.

Choice D reason: A blood glucose level of 100 mg/dL is normal (70-110 mg/dL fasting). It’s unrelated to digoxin or furosemide’s primary risks (e.g., electrolyte imbalances, arrhythmias). Hypokalemia is a more immediate concern due to its synergistic toxicity with digoxin, making this choice less critical.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Beta blockers decrease renin release, reducing angiotensin II and aldosterone, which lowers blood pressure. This statement is accurate, reflecting correct understanding, so it does not indicate a need for further teaching.

Choice B reason: Beta blockers do not primarily decrease peripheral vascular resistance; they reduce heart rate and contractility. Peripheral resistance is more affected by alpha blockers or vasodilators, so this incorrect statement indicates a need for further teaching.

Choice C reason: Beta blockers reduce heart rate and myocardial contractility, decreasing cardiac output and blood pressure. This statement is correct, showing proper understanding, so it does not require additional teaching.

Choice D reason: While beta blockers do not directly block angiotensin II, they reduce its production by decreasing renin. The statement is imprecise but not entirely wrong, making it less indicative of a teaching need than choice B.

A. Jaundice B. Bloody emesis C. Itching D. Dysmenorrhea

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Jaundice indicates liver dysfunction, but ibuprofen rarely causes hepatotoxicity at standard doses. It’s more associated with gastrointestinal issues due to COX-1 inhibition, reducing protective prostaglandins in the stomach lining. While possible with overdose, jaundice is less common than gastrointestinal bleeding, making this choice less likely.

Choice B reason: Ibuprofen, an NSAID, inhibits COX-1, reducing gastric mucosal protection, which can lead to ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Bloody emesis (hematemesis) indicates severe gastrointestinal damage, a well-documented adverse effect requiring immediate intervention, making this the correct choice for a severe ibuprofen-related complication.

Choice C reason: Itching may indicate a mild allergic reaction or skin irritation, not a severe adverse effect of ibuprofen. While possible, it’s less critical than gastrointestinal bleeding, which poses life-threatening risks due to ibuprofen’s impact on gastric mucosa, making this choice less severe and incorrect.

Choice D reason: Dysmenorrhea (painful periods) is a condition ibuprofen treats, not an adverse effect. By inhibiting prostaglandins, ibuprofen reduces uterine contractions and pain. It doesn’t cause dysmenorrhea, making this choice irrelevant as an indicator of a severe adverse effect of ibuprofen therapy.

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is discussing how beta blockers work to decrease blood pressure with a nursing student. Which statement by the student indicates a need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The nurse assesses a patient who takes ibuprofen [Advil] on a regular basis. Which finding would indicate a severe adverse effect of ibuprofen therapy?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

N-acetyl-para-aminophenol is an example of which type of drug name?

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Name the imbalance using the following Arterial Blood Gas (ABG) values: pH 7.32, PaCO2 <37, HCO3- <24

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