A patient is prescribed a beta-adrenergic agonist for the management of asthma. Which adverse effect should the nurse monitor closely in the patient?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Beta-adrenergic agonists stimulate beta-adrenergic receptors in the heart, leading to an increase in heart rate (tachycardia). This is a common adverse effect associated with the use of beta-adrenergic agonists in the management of conditions such as asthma. Monitoring for tachycardia is important because it can potentially lead to other complications such as palpitations, arrhythmias, and exacerbation of underlying cardiovascular conditions. It is essential for the nurse to closely monitor the patient for any signs or symptoms of tachycardia and report any abnormalities to the healthcare provider promptly to ensure appropriate management and prevent further complications.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The nurse's priority action when noticing an abnormal heart rhythm on the patient's cardiac monitor during surgery is to assess the patient's vital signs and symptoms. This is important because the nurse needs to gather more information about the patient's condition to determine the significance of the abnormal rhythm and the potential impact on the patient's health. By assessing the vital signs and symptoms, the nurse can obtain a more complete picture of the situation and make informed decisions about the next steps in caring for the patient. Once the assessment is done, appropriate actions such as administering medication or notifying the anesthesiologist can be taken based on the findings.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: If the nurse observes an unusual odor emanating from the surgical site during surgery, it is important to inform the surgeon immediately and assess for signs of infection. Changes in odor can sometimes be an early sign of infection, which requires prompt attention and intervention. By communicating with the surgeon and conducting a thorough assessment, the nurse can help ensure the timely detection and management of any potential complications, such as infection, that may be affecting the patient's surgical outcome. Prompt action in response to unusual observations is crucial to maintaining patient safety and well-being during surgical procedures.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Offering reassurance and encouragement to the patient demonstrates therapeutic communication by the nurse. In this situation, the nurse shows empathy and understanding towards the patient's concerns about the upcoming surgical procedure, which can help alleviate anxiety and build trust. Providing reassurance and encouragement can help the patient feel supported and understood, creating a positive and therapeutic interaction between the nurse and the patient. This approach fosters open communication and helps establish a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship, which is essential for effective patient care.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct action for the nurse to take when observing signs of distress and discomfort in a patient during assessment is to offer emotional support and actively listen to the patient's concerns. Ignoring the patient's distress may lead to worsening of the patient's condition and can be detrimental to the patient's well-being. Documenting the findings and informing the healthcare provider later is important but should not be the immediate response when a patient is in distress. Administering pain medication without further assessment is also not appropriate as the nurse needs to understand the underlying cause of the distress before providing appropriate interventions. Offering emotional support and actively listening to the patient's concerns can help the nurse understand the patient's needs, provide comfort, and potentially address the root cause of the distress.