The charge nurse observes a new registered nurse (RN) doing discharge teaching for a client with hypertension who has a new prescription for enalapril (Vasotec). Which statement of the nurse to the patient would require the charge nurse's intervention?
"Make an appointment with the dietitian for teaching.”
"Check your blood pressure at home at least once a day." C. "Increase your dietary intake of high-potassium foods.”
"Move slowly when moving from lying to sitting to standing.”
"Move slowly when moving from lying to sitting to standing.”
The Correct Answer is C
Enalapril (Vasotec) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor medication commonly used to treat hypertension. One of the potential side effects of ACE inhibitors is hyperkalemia, which is an elevated level of potassium in the blood. Therefore, it is generally recommended for patients taking ACE inhibitors to avoid excessive intake of high-potassium foods.
The charge nurse should intervene because advising the client to increase their dietary intake of high-potassium foods contradicts the precautions associated with taking enalapril. Consuming high-potassium foods while taking this medication can potentially lead to an increased risk of hyperkalemia, which can have serious health consequences.
Let's review the other statements made by the nurse:
"Make an appointment with the dietitian for teaching": This is an appropriate statement as it encourages the client to seek professional guidance on dietary management of hypertension. A dietitian can provide valuable information on healthy eating habits and strategies to reduce blood pressure.
"Check your blood pressure at home at least once a day": This is also an appropriate statement as it promotes self-monitoring of blood pressure, which is important for clients with hypertension. Regular monitoring helps the client track their progress and detect any changes that may require medical attention.
"Move slowly when moving from lying to sitting to standing": This is a correct statement as it advises the client to practice orthostatic precautions. ACE inhibitors, including enalapril, can cause orthostatic hypotension, a drop in blood pressure upon standing. Moving slowly can help prevent dizziness and falls.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The inability to move the left arm and leg suggests a neurological deficit, which is a significant finding that requires immediate attention. It could indicate a potential stroke or another neurological emergency that requires prompt evaluation and intervention. The health care provider needs to be notified immediately so that appropriate diagnostic tests and interventions can be initiated.
Tremors in the fingers when extending the arms can be a sign of tremor disorders or medication side effects but may not warrant immediate intervention.
Atrial fibrillation is a cardiac arrhythmia that requires monitoring and management but may not be directly related to the acute neurological issue.
The headache reported by the patient, although significant, is subjective and may be related to the hypertensive emergency or other factors but does not require immediate intervention compared to the potential neurological deficit.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Having a permanent cardiac pacemaker is a significant factor that needs to be communicated to the health care provider before undergoing an MRI. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets, radio waves, and a computer to create detailed images of the body. The presence of a cardiac pacemaker can be a contraindication for undergoing an MRI because the strong magnetic field can potentially interfere with the functioning of the pacemaker or cause it to malfunction. It is crucial to assess the compatibility of the pacemaker with the MRI machine and to take appropriate precautions or make necessary arrangements to ensure the safety of the client during the procedure.
While the other pieces of information provided may be relevant to the client's overall health and medical history, they may not have a direct impact on the safety or feasibility of undergoing an MRI.
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