A nurse is caring for a patient with a history of chronic heart failure. The nurse should monitor for signs of which of the following complications?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary edema. In chronic heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. Monitoring for signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and crackles can help prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic heart failure. B: Hyperkalemia - Can occur in heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for. D: Anemia - Can be a consequence of chronic heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Shortness of breath and weight gain. In chronic heart failure, fluid overload can lead to pulmonary congestion, causing shortness of breath. Weight gain is also a key sign of fluid retention. Increased urine output and hypotension (choice B) are more indicative of dehydration. Fatigue and dizziness (choice C) can be nonspecific symptoms and not directly related to fluid overload. Dry mouth and thirst (choice D) are symptoms of dehydration rather than fluid overload in chronic heart failure. Monitoring for shortness of breath and weight gain allows for early detection and intervention in managing fluid overload in patients with chronic heart failure.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because a functional health assessment evaluates various health patterns such as roles, relationships, coping mechanisms, stress tolerance, and lifestyle choices, providing a holistic view of the individual's well-being. Vital signs and circulation (A) are typically included in a physical assessment, not a functional health assessment. Assessing specific organ abnormalities (C) would be part of a focused physical examination or diagnostic testing. Acute symptoms (D) are important to address but do not encompass the comprehensive evaluation of health patterns that a functional health assessment covers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Pernicious anemia. This condition is characterized by a deficiency in vitamin B12, leading to neurological symptoms like tingling sensations in the feet (peripheral neuropathy) and glossitis, causing the tongue to become red and painful. Polycythemia (A) is an increase in red blood cell mass, not related to the symptoms described. Micronucleus anemia (C) is not a recognized medical condition. Iron-deficiency anemia (D) can lead to symptoms like fatigue and pallor, but not typically tingling sensations in the feet or glossitis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Severity. In the PQRSTU mnemonic, "S" stands for Severity, which refers to the intensity or seriousness of the symptoms experienced by the patient. This is crucial in assessing the impact of the problem on the patient's health and well-being. Incorrect choices: A: Swelling - Swelling is a physical symptom and does not encompass all aspects of the patient's perception. B: Subjectivity - While the patient's subjective experience is important, it does not specifically refer to severity. D: Symptoms - While symptoms are part of the patient's perception, the "S" in PQRSTU specifically focuses on the severity of those symptoms.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Administer thrombolytics. Thrombolytics help dissolve blood clots, which may be causing the stroke. Administering thrombolytics promptly can improve blood flow to the brain, potentially reducing the severity of the stroke and its effects, including difficulty speaking. Calling for help (A) is important, but administering thrombolytics should be a priority. Performing a CT scan (C) may help confirm the type of stroke but may delay immediate treatment. Administering bronchodilators (D) is not indicated for difficulty speaking related to stroke.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Pulmonary edema. In chronic heart failure, the heart cannot pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup in the lungs causing pulmonary edema. Monitoring for signs such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and crackles can help prevent respiratory distress. Incorrect choices: A: Hypoglycemia - Not directly related to chronic heart failure. B: Hyperkalemia - Can occur in heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for. D: Anemia - Can be a consequence of chronic heart failure but not a primary complication to monitor for.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Administer IV fluids. The priority nursing action for a client with severe dehydration is to restore fluid volume to maintain vital organ function. Administering IV fluids is crucial in rapidly replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes. Corticosteroids (choice B) are not indicated for dehydration. Re-administering IV fluids (choice C) is redundant. Administering analgesics (choice D) is not a priority in the management of severe dehydration.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. Patients with cirrhosis should limit protein intake to prevent hepatic encephalopathy. Statement C indicates a need for further education as it is incorrect. A is correct as alcohol worsens cirrhosis. B is correct to manage symptoms. D is correct to monitor for fluid retention.