A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which assessment finding indicates a potential adverse effect of digoxin therapy?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Confusion is a potential adverse effect of digoxin therapy. Digoxin toxicity can manifest as various central nervous system symptoms, including confusion, delirium, and disorientation. It is important to monitor for signs of digoxin toxicity in patients taking this medication, especially those with a history of heart failure or renal impairment. Other common signs of digoxin toxicity may include visual disturbances (like halos around lights), gastrointestinal symptoms (like nausea and vomiting), and cardiac arrhythmias. Monitoring serum digoxin levels can help guide therapy and identify toxicity early.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Assessing the patient for respiratory distress is the important nursing intervention that must be done in this situation. The scenario provided indicates that the patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is experiencing increased work of breathing, which puts them at risk for respiratory distress. It is crucial for the nurse to monitor the patient's respiratory status closely, including assessing their oxygen saturations, respiratory rate, and effort, to identify any signs of respiratory distress early and intervene promptly. This proactive assessment can help prevent further deterioration of the patient's condition and ensure appropriate nursing interventions are implemented promptly.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The described presentation of a yellowish-white spot on the cornea with a ring of inflammation, along with branching, filamentous opacities extending from the corneal lesion, is characteristic of fungal keratitis. Fungal keratitis typically presents with these specific features on clinical examination.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Nonverbal communication consists of gestures, facial expressions, body language, posture, tone of voice, touch, and eye contact, among other behaviors. Option C, words representing an object, refers to verbal communication rather than nonverbal communication. Nonverbal communication is the behavior that accompanies verbal communication, providing additional layers of meaning and adding context to the spoken words. Therefore, words representing an object are not indicators of nonverbal communication.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The presentation described is characteristic of acute angle-closure glaucoma. This condition typically presents with sudden-onset severe eye pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. On examination, the affected eye may appear red due to conjunctival injection, and there may be a steamy cornea due to corneal edema. The mid-dilated, non-reactive pupil is a key finding in angle-closure glaucoma, as the iris bombe (forward movement of the peripheral iris) blocks the drainage angle, leading to increased intraocular pressure. If left untreated, acute angle-closure glaucoma can result in irreversible vision loss. Immediate intervention is crucial to lower the intraocular pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve. Prompt referral to an ophthalmologist for definitive treatment is necessary in cases of suspected acute angle-closure glaucoma.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The practice of advocacy in nursing involves assessing the client's point of view and preparing to articulate this viewpoint. Advocacy requires that nurses actively listen to their patients, understand their perspectives, and ensure that their needs and wishes are communicated effectively within the healthcare team. By advocating for the client's point of view, nurses can help empower their patients to make informed decisions about their care and ensure that their best interests are always prioritized.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The sudden onset of severe vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and nystagmus in a patient with a recent upper respiratory tract infection is highly suggestive of vestibular neuritis. Vestibular neuritis is typically caused by inflammation of the vestibular nerve, often following a viral infection such as an upper respiratory tract infection. This condition presents with acute, severe, continuous vertigo without associated hearing loss. The presence of nystagmus, along with the absence of hearing loss, helps differentiate vestibular neuritis from Meniere's disease (which typically presents with episodic vertigo, hearing loss, and tinnitus) and acoustic neuroma (which presents with gradual onset of symptoms including unilateral hearing loss, tinnitus, and imbalance). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) typically presents with brief episodes of vertigo triggered by specific head movements, rather than the continuous vertigo seen in this case.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Educating the client about the importance of balanced nutrition and frequent monitoring of blood glucose levels should be prioritized to address the client's concerns about managing blood sugar levels while breastfeeding. This intervention helps empower the client to make informed choices about her diet and monitor her blood sugar levels effectively. By focusing on balanced nutrition and regular blood glucose monitoring, the client can better manage her blood sugar levels during the postpartum period and while breastfeeding, reducing the risk of complications associated with gestational diabetes. It also promotes overall health and well-being for both the mother and the baby.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Periodontitis is the dental condition characterized by inflammation of the gingival tissues surrounding the teeth. It is typically caused by poor oral hygiene practices, leading to plaque buildup and eventually gum disease. If left untreated, periodontitis can cause serious damage to the gum tissue and the underlying bones supporting the teeth, which can eventually result in tooth loss. Regular dental check-ups, proper oral hygiene habits, and professional cleanings are important for preventing and managing periodontitis.