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: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: A painless mass in the breast. This is the primary sign of breast cancer because most breast cancers present as painless lumps or masses. This is due to the abnormal growth of cells forming a tumor. Other choices (A, B, C) are also signs of breast cancer, but they are not as common or primary as the presence of a painless mass. A bloody discharge from the nipple (A) can be a sign of a benign condition or cancer, but it is not the most common presentation. Nipple retraction (B) and dimpling of the skin over the lesion (C) can also be signs of breast cancer, but they usually occur in later stages of the disease. Therefore, the presence of a painless mass in the breast is the primary sign that should raise suspicion for breast cancer.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because learning esophageal speech involves creating sound by pushing air from the mouth into the esophagus and then releasing it. Following laryngectomy surgery, the patient's larynx is removed, making it impossible to produce sound in this manner. Placing a finger over the stoma (A) allows the patient to redirect air through the mouth for speech, using a picture board (B) enables communication through written or visual cues, and using a special valve that diverts air into the trachea (C) allows for voice rehabilitation. In summary, options A, B, and C are valid communication methods post-laryngectomy surgery, while option D is not feasible due to the absence of the larynx.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Avoiding the use of carbonated beverages. Carbonated beverages often have high sodium content, which can contribute to increased sodium intake. By avoiding these beverages, the client can significantly reduce their sodium consumption. Explanation: 1. Carbonated beverages often contain added sodium for flavor enhancement. 2. By avoiding carbonated beverages, the client eliminates a significant source of hidden sodium in their diet. 3. This dietary practice directly targets reducing sodium intake without compromising other nutritional aspects of the diet. Summary of other choices: A: Increasing the use of dairy products - Dairy products do not necessarily impact sodium intake significantly. B: Using an artificial sweetener in coffee - Artificial sweeteners do not contribute to sodium intake. D: Using catsup for cooking and flavoring food - Catsup is high in sodium and would not help in reducing sodium intake.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because observing the patient for abnormal bleeding is an appropriate action to monitor for potential complications of warfarin therapy. This aligns with the nursing role in assessing and monitoring patient responses to treatment. B is incorrect as increasing warfarin dose without physician order can lead to adverse effects. C is incorrect as altering the dose without medical advice can be dangerous. D is incorrect as administering Vitamin K would counteract the effects of warfarin, which is used to prevent blood clotting.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. INH (Isoniazid) can lead to peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin B6 deficiency. 2. Pyridoxine is vitamin B6, which helps prevent neuropathy. 3. Supplementing with pyridoxine can counteract the deficiency caused by INH. 4. Thus, option C, supplementing the diet with pyridoxine, is the correct choice. Summary: - Option A is incorrect as a low cholesterol diet does not address the vitamin B6 deficiency. - Option B is incorrect as excessive bed rest does not prevent neuropathy. - Option D is incorrect as sun exposure is not related to the prevention of peripheral neuropathy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because hanging the chest drainage system on the top of the wheelchair backrest ensures that the system remains upright and secured during transportation, reducing the risk of accidental disconnection or leakage. Placing it on the patient's feet (B), hanging it with the IV pole (C), or placing it in the patient's lap (D) can lead to potential complications such as pulling or kinking the drainage tubing, increasing the risk of infection or injury to the patient.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Draw up clear insulin first when mixing two types of insulin in one syringe. This is important because mixing insulin requires drawing up the clear (short-acting) insulin first to prevent contamination. This ensures accurate dosing and prevents clouding of the insulin. Drawing up cloudy insulin first can lead to inaccurate dosing and potential mixing errors. Administering insulin after the first meal (choice A) is not the focus of this question. Administering insulin at a 45-degree angle into the deltoid muscle (choice B) is not recommended for insulin injections. Vigorously shaking the vial of insulin before withdrawal (choice C) can cause bubbles and affect the accuracy of the dose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. Parkinson's disease is characterized by bradykinesia, tremor, and muscle rigidity. Bradykinesia refers to slowness of movement, tremor involves involuntary shaking, and muscle rigidity causes stiffness and resistance to movement. These three symptoms are commonly known as the classic triad of Parkinson's disease. Therefore, selecting "All of the above" (D) is the correct choice as it encompasses all the key features of Parkinson's disease. Choices A, B, and C individually are incorrect because they do not fully capture the comprehensive presentation of symptoms in Parkinson's disease.