A patient with a history of heart failure is prescribed carvedilol. Which parameter should the nurse monitor closely during carvedilol therapy?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Carvedilol is a beta-blocker primarily used to manage heart failure and hypertension. Monitoring blood pressure closely during carvedilol therapy is crucial because it helps assess the drug's effectiveness in managing heart failure and controlling hypertension. Carvedilol works by blocking certain receptors in the heart and blood vessels, which can lower blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure fluctuations allows healthcare providers to adjust the dosage accordingly to achieve optimal results and prevent potential complications in patients with heart failure. While monitoring blood glucose levels, serum potassium levels, and liver function tests are essential in managing other conditions or medications, the priority in a patient being prescribed carvedilol for heart failure is to monitor blood pressure levels.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The epigastrium is the upper middle region of the abdomen, lying above the umbilical region and between the hypochondriac regions. It contains several organs including the duodenum, pancreas, portion of the liver, and the pyloric end of the stomach. The duodenum is the first part of the small intestine, the pancreas is a crucial organ for digestion and hormone regulation, the liver aids in digestion and detoxification, and the pyloric end of the stomach connects the stomach to the small intestine for further digestion and absorption of nutrients. These organs are typically assessed and examined when focusing on the epigastrium during a physical examination.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Antipsychotic medications can cause metabolic side effects, including hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Patients with bipolar disorder who are prescribed antipsychotic medications are at risk for developing new-onset diabetes or exacerbating preexisting diabetes. Monitoring blood glucose levels is essential to detect hyperglycemia early and prevent complications such as diabetic ketoacidosis. While hypertension, hypotension, and hypernatremia are possible side effects of certain medications, they are not typically associated with antipsychotic medications commonly used in the management of bipolar disorder. Hyperglycemia is a serious concern in this population due to the risk of developing diabetes or worsening of existing diabetes.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Records are IMPORTANT in health care as they serve as evidence of the health care services that have been provided to a patient. These records contain vital information such as the patient's medical history, diagnoses, treatments, medications, and test results. Keeping accurate and detailed records is crucial for monitoring a patient's progress, ensuring appropriate care is being provided, and serving as a reference point for healthcare providers involved in the patient's treatment. Additionally, health care records are essential for legal and insurance purposes, quality assessment, research, and continuity of care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Precipitous labor is completed in less than 3 hours from the onset of labor to delivery. It is characterized by rapid labor progression, with contractions quickly increasing in intensity and frequency. This can pose risks for both the mother and baby, such as increased risk of maternal lacerations, fetal distress, and postpartum hemorrhage. It is important for healthcare providers to be prepared for rapid delivery in cases of precipitous labor.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The client is exhibiting signs and symptoms of respiratory alkalosis. When a person is experiencing respiratory alkalosis, there is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the body, leading to elevated blood pH. The marked increase in the rate and depth of respirations as well as symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, and irritability are characteristic of respiratory alkalosis. This condition can be caused by hyperventilation, anxiety, or fever, which result in excessive elimination of CO2 from the body, leading to an imbalance in the acid-base status. Treatment for respiratory alkalosis involves addressing the underlying cause, such as providing reassurance to decrease anxiety or managing the breathing pattern to normalize CO2 levels.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The most likely causative agent in this scenario is Plasmodium falciparum, which is the parasite that causes malaria. The symptoms of fever, chills, headache, and myalgia following a camping trip are highly suggestive of malaria, especially if the patient has thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. Plasmodium falciparum is known to cause severe malaria with complications such as thrombocytopenia and leukopenia. The other options, Trypanosoma cruzi, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Leishmania donovani, do not typically present with all of the symptoms described and are not associated with the laboratory findings of thrombocytopenia and leukopenia.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Using colored pictures can help make the presentation of the plan more visually engaging and easier to understand for the audience, in this case, the nurse's intended audience. Visual aids, such as colored pictures, can effectively convey complex information in a simplified and easy-to-digest manner. This approach can enhance comprehension and retention of the presented material, making the implementation of the plan more accessible and clear to the individuals involved.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Providing education on techniques to enhance milk production and supply should be prioritized to address the client's concerns about milk supply and meeting the baby's nutritional needs. By educating the client on proper breastfeeding techniques, frequent nursing sessions, skin-to-skin contact, and the importance of staying hydrated, the nurse can help promote successful breastfeeding and potentially increase milk production. Supplemental formula feedings are not the first line of intervention, as breastfeeding should be encouraged, especially for a preterm infant who may benefit significantly from breast milk. Encouraging the client to avoid breastfeeding until the infant reaches full term is not appropriate, as breastfeeding can still be beneficial for a preterm infant. Referring the client to a dietitian for specialized nutritional support may be beneficial, but addressing milk supply concerns through education should be prioritized initially to support breastfeeding success.