A client with congestive heart failure has been receiving digoxin (lanoxin). Which finding indicates that the medication is having a desired effect?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Digoxin is a medication commonly used in the treatment of congestive heart failure because it helps to improve cardiac output and reduce heart failure symptoms. One of the desired effects of digoxin is an increase in urinary output. This is because digoxin helps to improve cardiac function, which can lead to better circulation and increased kidney perfusion. As a result, the kidneys are better able to filter and excrete excess fluid, leading to increased urine output. Therefore, an increase in urinary output indicates that the digoxin is having a positive effect in managing the client's congestive heart failure. The other options, such as increased weight, improved appetite, and increased pedal edema, are not indicative of a desired effect of digoxin therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Leaving the side rails down is one of the most common occurrences that can lead to a patient fall. Side rails are important safety measures designed to prevent patients from falling out of bed. When the side rails are left down, the patient is at a higher risk of accidentally rolling out of bed and falling. It is crucial for healthcare providers to always ensure that the side rails are up and secure to help prevent patient falls.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the sac surrounding the heart. Patients with pericarditis typically present with sharp chest pain that worsens with deep breathing, changes in body position, and coughing. The pain tends to improve when the patient leans forward. This characteristic symptom of pericarditis is known as "pleuritic" chest pain. In contrast, stable angina presents as predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest or medications. Unstable angina is characterized by chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and is considered a medical emergency. Myocarditis involves inflammation of the heart muscle and may present with symptoms such as chest pain, but it does not typically have the characteristic of worsening with deep breathing or changes in body position.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a community clinic providing primary care for patients, the most common healthcare professional who manages patient care is a physician. Physicians, also known as doctors, are trained and licensed to diagnose and treat a wide range of medical conditions. They are responsible for conducting exams, prescribing medications, ordering tests, and developing treatment plans for patients. While other healthcare professionals such as nurses, midwives, and barangay health workers also play important roles in providing care, physicians typically lead the team, make critical decisions, and provide overall management of patient care in a primary care setting like a community clinic.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Autonomy refers to the patient's right to make decisions about their own health care, including the ability to give consent or refusal of treatment. This right is based on the patient's own beliefs, values, and preferences. However, in the case of an erroneous belief of a head of a church, it may conflict with the patient's own autonomy and ability to make decisions based on their own beliefs. In such a situation, it is important for healthcare providers to respect the patient's autonomy while also addressing any potential conflicts that may arise from external influences such as the erroneous belief of a head of a church.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acute otitis media is the most likely condition responsible for this presentation. The sudden onset of severe, unilateral ear pain, diminished hearing, and purulent otorrhea are classic symptoms of acute otitis media. Otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane with obscured landmarks further supports the diagnosis. The bulging of the tympanic membrane is due to the accumulation of fluid and pus behind it, causing the characteristic appearance. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to help clear the infection and relieve symptoms. If left untreated, acute otitis media can lead to complications such as perforation of the eardrum or mastoiditis.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Smoking is a harmful habit that is known to contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Smoking does not provide any benefits for Alzheimer's patients and, in fact, can worsen the condition due to its negative impact on overall health. Therefore, smoking does not help improve Alzheimer's and may exacerbate the symptoms and complications associated with the disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient who had a left total hip replacement surgery due to osteoarthritis needs to strictly follow the postoperative teaching of being shown how to gently irrigate the external auditory canal because this instruction is unrelated to a hip replacement surgery. The other options are not relevant to the surgery and patient's condition. Option A about airplane travel, Option C about dizziness, and Option D about hair washing are not appropriate instructions for a patient who had a hip replacement. It is important for healthcare providers to give accurate and relevant postoperative instructions to help the patient recover successfully.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Fowler's position is the correct position to help a patient experiencing breathing difficulty. In Fowler's position, the patient is sitting up at a 45- to 60-degree angle with the legs either straight or bent. This position allows for maximum chest expansion, helping to improve ventilation and oxygenation. It is commonly used to assist patients with respiratory distress, including difficulties with breathing. Placing the patient in Fowler's position can alleviate the feeling of breathlessness and facilitate easier breathing by promoting better lung expansion.