A patient with coronary artery disease asks the nurse about the good cholesterol laboratory values. The nurse knows that good cholesterol refers to which lipids?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: HDLs are commonly referred to as the "good cholesterol" because they help remove excess cholesterol from the bloodstream and transport it to the liver for excretion. High levels of HDL cholesterol are associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease. Monitoring HDL levels is important in assessing cardiovascular health. Triglycerides, LDLs, and VLDLs do not qualify as "good cholesterol" and are actually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease when elevated.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Vitamin E can interfere with vitamin K-dependent clotting factors, leading to prolonged prothrombin time and increased bleeding risk. Vitamin A (A), selenium (B), and vitamin D (C) do not typically affect coagulation. The nurse should assess for excessive vitamin E supplementation or dietary intake.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Insomnia is not a common side effect of Alprazolam. Alprazolam is a benzodiazepine medication commonly used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Common side effects of Alprazolam include dizziness, drowsiness, and lethargy. However, it is not typically associated with causing insomnia as a side effect. If a person experiences unusual symptoms while taking Alprazolam, they should consult their healthcare provider for guidance.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: When administering packed red blood cells, it is important to use a compatible solution. The preferred solution to administer with packed red blood cells is 0.9% sodium chloride (normal saline) because it is isotonic and compatible with red blood cells. Using an isotonic solution like 0.9% sodium chloride helps to prevent hemolysis of the red blood cells and maintains their integrity during administration. Lactated Ringer's solution, D5W, and 0.45% sodium chloride are not recommended for administering packed red blood cells because they can cause hemolysis due to their hypotonic or hypertonic nature.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Before administering Digoxin, it is crucial for the nurse to count the patient's apical pulse for 1 minute. Digoxin is a medication commonly prescribed to manage heart conditions such as heart failure and certain irregular heartbeats. Since Digoxin works by helping the heart beat stronger and at a more normal rhythm, it is essential to monitor the patient's heart rate before administering the medication. Counting the apical pulse for 1 minute allows for an accurate assessment of the patient's baseline heart rate, which is crucial in determining whether it is safe to administer Digoxin. If the heart rate is too low (bradycardia), administering Digoxin could potentially cause further complications. Therefore, assessing the apical pulse beforehand is a critical step in ensuring the safe administration of Digoxin.