A patient with heart failure is prescribed digoxin. Which electrolyte imbalance increases the risk of digoxin toxicity?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Hypokalemia (low levels of potassium) increases the risk of digoxin toxicity. This is because digoxin competes with potassium for binding sites on the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in the cell membrane. When potassium levels are low, there is an increased binding of digoxin to these pumps, leading to enhanced entry of calcium into the cells. This can result in an increased intracellular calcium concentration, leading to digoxin toxicity and potential cardiac arrhythmias. Therefore, monitoring and correcting potassium levels is crucial in patients prescribed digoxin to reduce the risk of toxicity.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Nonverbal communication is as strong in conveying information because the nurse can effectively interpret and understand gestures made by the individual they are interacting with. Gestures such as hand movements, facial expressions, eye contact, and body posture can communicate a lot of information without the use of words. By observing these nonverbal cues, nurses can better comprehend the emotions, needs, and feelings of their patients or colleagues, leading to more effective communication and overall better care. Nonverbal communication, including gestures, plays a significant role in creating a holistic understanding of individuals' messages beyond just words.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Advocacy is the ethical principle that the nurse is responsible for providing all patients with caring attention and information, despite the reaction of the patient. Advocacy involves supporting and speaking up for the patient's best interests, ensuring they receive the care and information they need to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Providing caring attention and information is essential in advocating for the patient's autonomy and well-being, even if the patient may not initially appreciate or react positively to these efforts.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: When the nurse collects data at one point in time, it is referred to as a cross-sectional study. Cross-sectional studies are observational research designs that provide a snapshot of a population or a sample at a specific point in time. This type of study can help identify associations or relationships between variables at a single time point but cannot establish causality or determine changes over time. In contrast, time series involve collecting data over multiple time points, longitudinal studies follow individuals or samples over time to track changes or outcomes, and crossover studies involve multiple interventions or treatments over different periods.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The primary objective of a birth plan is to provide a pregnant woman the opportunity to outline her wishes and preferences regarding her labor, delivery, and postpartum care. It allows the mother-to-be to communicate her desires to the healthcare team in advance, ensuring that her preferences are considered and respected during the birthing process. A birth plan typically covers various aspects such as pain management options, who she wants present during labor, interventions she may want to avoid, plans for after birth care, and any other specific requests she may have. Ultimately, a birth plan aims to empower the woman to have a more personalized and satisfying birth experience by actively involving her in the decision-making process.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The right being violated in this scenario is the right to obtain from his physician complete current information concerning his diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis. Patients have the right to be fully informed about their health status and to understand the details of their condition, treatment options, and likely outcomes. Withholding this information can prevent the patient from participating in their own care decisions and can violate their autonomy and right to make informed choices about their health.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Smoking is a harmful habit that is known to contribute to a variety of health problems, including heart disease, lung disease, and cancer. Smoking does not provide any benefits for Alzheimer's patients and, in fact, can worsen the condition due to its negative impact on overall health. Therefore, smoking does not help improve Alzheimer's and may exacerbate the symptoms and complications associated with the disease.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Acute otitis media is the most likely condition responsible for this presentation. The sudden onset of severe, unilateral ear pain, diminished hearing, and purulent otorrhea are classic symptoms of acute otitis media. Otoscopic examination revealing a bulging, erythematous tympanic membrane with obscured landmarks further supports the diagnosis. The bulging of the tympanic membrane is due to the accumulation of fluid and pus behind it, causing the characteristic appearance. Treatment typically involves antibiotics to help clear the infection and relieve symptoms. If left untreated, acute otitis media can lead to complications such as perforation of the eardrum or mastoiditis.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A Likert Scale is typically used to measure the degree of agreement or disagreement with a set of statements or questions. Respondents are asked to indicate their level of agreement or disagreement using a scale that ranges from, for example, "strongly agree" to "strongly disagree". This makes it a suitable tool for assessing the degree of agreement and disagreement among individuals on various topics or statements. While a Likert Scale can potentially measure other constructs such as satisfaction or acceptance, its primary purpose and most common application involve determining the degree of agreement and disagreement.