A client with heart failure expresses feelings of burden and thoughts of death to a nurse. How should the nurse respond?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it demonstrates active listening and empathy, encouraging the client to express their feelings further. This response shows support and openness to discuss sensitive topics, promoting therapeutic communication. Choice B fails to address the client's emotional distress directly. Choice C may invalidate the client's feelings. Choice D may not be appropriate unless the client expresses interest in meeting with the chaplain. Overall, option A is the best response for addressing the client's emotional needs effectively.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Notify the provider immediately. This is the most important action because significantly slowed drainage in a client with a chest tube after surgery can indicate a potential complication like a blocked tube or bleeding. Notifying the provider allows for prompt assessment and intervention to prevent further complications. Increasing the suction setting (choice A) without knowing the reason for slowed drainage can potentially worsen the situation. Re-positioning the chest tube (choice C) may not address the underlying issue causing the slowed drainage. Taking the tubing apart to assess for clots (choice D) should not be done by the nurse as it can introduce the risk of infection and requires sterile technique.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B (Expired food found in the refrigerator) because it poses a potential health risk to the client. Expired food can lead to foodborne illnesses, especially for an older adult post-surgery. Dirty carpets (choice A) may not directly impact the client's health. Outdated medications (choice C) can be addressed by the nurse without additional referrals. The presence of multiple cats (choice D) may be a concern for allergies or cleanliness, but it is not as urgent as expired food in terms of health risks.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 1630 (4:30 PM). The rationale is as follows: 1. The standard guideline for performing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in acute MI is within 90 minutes of arrival at the hospital. 2. The client arrived at 1500 (3:00 PM), so adding 90 minutes to this time gives us 1630 (4:30 PM). 3. This timing aligns with The Joint Commission's Core Measures for timely PCI in acute MI cases. 4. Therefore, the correct time for the client to have PCI performed is 1630 (4:30 PM). In summary, choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the 90-minute guideline for performing PCI in acute MI cases, as mandated by The Joint Commission's Core Measures.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: It increases the force of the heart's contractions. Inotropic agents are medications that enhance the strength of the heart's contractions, improving cardiac output. This explanation is accurate because inotropic agents work by increasing the contractility of the heart muscle, leading to stronger contractions and improved pumping ability. Explanation for why the other choices are incorrect: A: It constricts vessels, improving blood flow - This is incorrect because inotropic agents primarily affect the heart's contractility, not vascular constriction. B: It dilates vessels, which lessens the work of the heart - This is incorrect because inotropic agents do not primarily dilate vessels; their main action is on the heart's contractility. D: It slows the heart rate down for better filling - This is incorrect because inotropic agents do not slow down the heart rate; they increase the force of contractions. In summary, choice C is correct as inotropic agents increase the force of