A patient is being taught the action of digoxin, which is an inotropic agent. The nurse defines an inotropic agent as a medication that has which of the following actions?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Strengthens heart contraction. Digoxin is an inotropic agent that works by increasing the force of the heart's contractions. This leads to improved cardiac output and helps manage conditions like heart failure. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because digoxin does not decrease heart rate, increase conduction time, or increase heart rate. It specifically targets the strength of the heart's contractions, making option D the most appropriate choice. This action of digoxin is crucial in improving the efficiency of the heart's pumping function.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. A semiprivate room with one or two consistent caregivers is the most therapeutic setting for an agitated head-injured patient. Here's the rationale: 1. Consistency: Having one or two consistent caregivers provides the patient with a stable and familiar environment, which can help reduce agitation. 2. Privacy: A semiprivate room offers more privacy compared to a day room or a ward, which can help minimize external stimuli and promote relaxation. 3. Individualized care: In a semiprivate room, caregivers can focus more on the specific needs of the patient, leading to better management of agitation. 4. Reduced distractions: Being in a semiprivate room minimizes distractions and noise, which can be overwhelming for an agitated head-injured patient. Summary: A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not offer the same level of consistency, privacy, individualized care, and reduced distractions as a semiprivate room with one

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: High fluid intake. Adequate hydration helps prevent calcium from becoming concentrated in the urine, reducing the risk of calcium stone formation. Increased fiber intake (choice A) may help prevent other types of stones but not specifically calcium stones. Increased protein intake (choice B) can actually increase calcium excretion, potentially increasing the risk of calcium stone formation. Zinc intake (choice D) does not directly impact calcium stone formation. In summary, high fluid intake is crucial for preventing the precipitation of calcium renal stones due to its role in diluting urine and preventing calcium concentration.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: The client is experiencing a mild overdosage. Tinnitus is a common symptom of aspirin toxicity. Aspirin overdose can lead to tinnitus due to its ototoxic effects. This occurrence indicates that the client may be taking too much aspirin, resulting in toxicity. The other choices (A, B, C) are incorrect because tinnitus is not a normal side effect of aspirin working correctly, upper GI bleed, or a metallic taste in the mouth.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Check for neurologic status. This is the first action because assessing the patient's neurologic status helps identify any immediate threats to their health and guides further interventions. It is crucial to ensure the patient's safety and prioritize interventions based on their neurologic status. Starting an IV for fluids (A), getting an ECG (B), and placing a Foley catheter (C) are important interventions but should come after assessing the patient's neurologic status to address any urgent issues first.