Which finding is the most concerning and should prompt immediate action by the nurse?

Potassium level of 4.8 mEq/L

Episodes of dizziness and blurred vision

Chest x-ray showing mild left ventricular hypertrophy

Blood pressure of 168/98 mmHg

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A reason: Potassium of 4.8 mEq/L is within normal range (3.5-5.0 mEq/L), posing no immediate threat. Hyperkalemia risks arrhythmias, but this level doesn’t warrant urgent action, as it’s stable and unlikely to disrupt cardiac function acutely.

Choice B reason: Dizziness and blurred vision suggest cerebral hypoperfusion or stroke, potentially from hypertension or embolism. These neurologic symptoms demand immediate action to assess and treat, as they indicate acute risk to brain function or life.

Choice C reason: Mild left ventricular hypertrophy on x-ray reflects chronic hypertension adaptation, not an acute emergency. It’s a stable finding requiring management, but it doesn’t necessitate immediate intervention compared to symptomatic neurologic changes.

Choice D reason: Blood pressure of 168/98 mmHg is elevated (stage 2 hypertension), risking long-term damage. Without acute symptoms, it’s less urgent than dizziness and vision changes, which signal immediate compromise needing rapid response.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Mild left ventricular hypertrophy indicates cardiac strain from chronic hypertension, increasing risk for heart failure or infarction. It reflects structural change, elevating cardiovascular morbidity as pressure overload progresses, a known precursor to serious events.

Choice B reason: Total cholesterol of 210 mg/dL exceeds optimal (<200 mg/dL), promoting atherosclerosis. Lipid plaques narrow arteries, raising risks for coronary artery disease and stroke, a well-established cardiovascular risk factor needing intervention.

Choice C reason: Hemoglobin A1C of 7.5% shows poor glycemic control (>6.5% is diabetes), damaging vessels via glycation. This accelerates atherosclerosis and microvascular complications, significantly increasing cardiovascular event risk in uncontrolled diabetes.

Choice D reason: Sodium of 138 mEq/L is normal (135-145 mEq/L), not impacting cardiovascular risk directly. It influences fluid balance, but this value doesn’t suggest hypertension or heart strain, making it irrelevant here.

Choice E reason: Creatinine of 1.6 mg/dL (>1.2 mg/dL) signals renal impairment, often from hypertension or diabetes. Kidney dysfunction raises cardiovascular risk by disrupting fluid and pressure regulation, contributing to heart disease progression.

Choice F reason: Oxygen saturation of 95% on room air is normal (95-100%), indicating adequate lung function. It doesn’t suggest hypoxia or cardiovascular compromise, so it’s not a risk factor in this context.

A. Cilostazol (Pletal) B. Ramipril (Altace) C. Metoprolol (Lopressor) D. Aspirin E. Clopidogrel (Plavix)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Cilostazol inhibits phosphodiesterase III, increasing cyclic AMP, which dilates arteries and reduces platelet aggregation. This improves blood flow and reduces intermittent claudication in PAD, directly targeting vascular symptoms by enhancing circulation and preventing thrombosis, making it a primary treatment option.

Choice B reason: Ramipril, an ACE inhibitor, lowers blood pressure and protects vascular endothelium, benefiting PAD indirectly. It reduces cardiovascular strain but doesn’t directly improve limb perfusion or claudication, so it’s not a primary PAD medication despite its role in managing comorbidities like hypertension.

Choice C reason: Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, slows heart rate and reduces myocardial oxygen demand, useful in heart disease. In PAD, it may worsen claudication by reducing peripheral blood flow via vasoconstriction, making it less commonly prescribed specifically for PAD management.

Choice D reason: Aspirin inhibits cyclooxygenase, reducing thromboxane A2 and platelet aggregation. This antiplatelet action prevents clot formation in narrowed PAD arteries, improving outcomes by reducing thrombotic events, making it a standard, evidence-based therapy for symptom relief and risk reduction.

Choice E reason: Clopidogrel blocks ADP receptors on platelets, preventing aggregation and thrombus formation. In PAD, it reduces ischemic events and improves patency, often used alone or with aspirin, making it a key medication for managing vascular complications and symptoms.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Which finding is the most concerning and should prompt immediate action by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is reviewing the patient’s history and recent lab results. Which of the following findings indicate an increased risk for cardiovascular complications? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nursing student is reviewing medications used to treat a patient with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Which of the following medications should the nurse identify as commonly prescribed for this condition? (Select all that apply)

Correct Answer is ["A","D","E"]

Explanation

A young adult patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) is admitted to the hospital with increased dyspnea. Which intervention should the nurse include in the plan of care?

Sara is receiving a nebulized albuterol treatment for her asthma exacerbation. Which of the following should be the nurse’s first priority after administering the treatment?

Identify the actions the nurse should take to manage this patient’s heart failure effectively. (Select all that apply)

Which finding is the most concerning and should prompt immediate action by the nurse?

Which lab results should be monitored for a patient on furosemide?

Propranolol (Inderal) is newly prescribed for a patient diagnosed with hypertension. Which information in the patient’s history would prompt the nurse to consult with the health care provider before giving this drug?

In a severely anemic patient, which assessment findings would the nurse expect to find?

Which intervention for VTE care and prevention can the RN delegate to the nursing assistant?