A healthcare professional is assessing a client who has been taking digoxin. Which of the following findings should the healthcare professional report to the provider?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Bradycardia. Bradycardia is a significant finding associated with digoxin toxicity. Digoxin, a medication commonly used to treat heart conditions, can lead to bradycardia as a sign of toxicity. Bradycardia requires immediate attention and reporting to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management to prevent serious complications. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because weight gain, dry cough, and hypokalemia are not specific signs of digoxin toxicity. While weight gain can be a side effect of digoxin, it is not a classic sign of toxicity. Dry cough is more commonly associated with medications like ACE inhibitors, and hypokalemia can be a complication of digoxin therapy but is not a direct sign of toxicity.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Respiratory depression. Hydrocodone is an opioid medication that can cause respiratory depression, a serious side effect that should be reported immediately to the healthcare provider. Constipation, sedation, and dry mouth are common side effects of hydrocodone but are not as concerning as respiratory depression. Constipation can be managed with lifestyle modifications and medications, sedation may improve with time or dosage adjustments, and dry mouth is a common and usually benign side effect.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Tardive dyskinesia. Tardive dyskinesia is a serious side effect associated with the long-term use of haloperidol. It is characterized by involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and extremities. Early detection is crucial as tardive dyskinesia may be irreversible and should be reported promptly to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because weight gain, dry mouth, and tremors are common side effects of haloperidol but are not as concerning as tardive dyskinesia. While they should still be monitored and managed, tardive dyskinesia requires immediate attention due to its potentially irreversible nature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Choice B is correct because APRNs are trained to adopt a holistic approach, addressing physical, emotional, and social aspects of health, and often involve patients in care decisions, improving satisfaction and outcomes. Choice A is incorrect as it exaggerates pharmacology knowledge; APRNs study it extensively, but so do physicians, making superiority unproven. Choice C is wrong because APRNs' prescribing of narcotics varies by practice and isn't inherently less than others. Choice D is false since independent prescribing isn't universal—state laws differ, and some require oversight, similar to physician assistants.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Choice A is correct because a loading dose, like azithromycin's higher first-day dose, quickly elevates drug levels to the therapeutic range for faster effect. Choice B is incorrect as steady state, not loading, takes four to five half-lives; loading bypasses this delay. Choice C is wrong because renal function affects maintenance dosing, not the loading concept. Choice D is incorrect since circulation to tissues is a distribution issue, not the purpose of a loading dose.