A 74 year old female presents to the ER with complaints of dyspnea, persistent cough, and unable to sleep at night due to difficulty breathing. On assessment, you note crackles throughout the lung fields, respiratory rate of 25, and an oxygen saturation of 90% on room air. Which of the following lab results confirms your suspicions of heart failure?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) of 820 is elevated, confirming heart failure as it indicates cardiac stress and fluid overload, aligning with the symptoms described.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The first heart sound ('lub') occurs when the tricuspid and bicuspid (mitral) valves close at the start of ventricular systole.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Hypokalemia is a frequent adverse effect of the loop diuretics and can cause life-threatening dysrhythmias. The health care provider should be notified of the potassium level immediately and administration of potassium supplements initiated. The elevated blood glucose and BP also indicate a need for collaborative interventions but will not require action as urgently as the hypokalemia. An orthostatic drop of 12 mm Hg is common and will require intervention only if the patient is symptomatic.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Deviation from the therapeutic program is a significant problem for people with hypertension and other chronic conditions requiring lifetime management. For many patients, this is related to adverse effects of medications. Medication cost is relevant for many patients, but adverse effects are thought to be a more significant barrier. Many patients are aware of necessary lifestyle modification, but do not adhere to them. Most patients are aware of the need to monitor their BP.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Capillaries contain a significant proportion of blood volume due to their extensive network and large surface area.