After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which patient should the nurse assess first?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The patient's low potassium level increases the risk for digoxin toxicity and potentially life-threatening dysrhythmias. The nurse should assess the patient for other signs of digoxin toxicity and then notify the health care provider about the potassium level. The other patients also have side effects of their drugs, but their symptoms do not indicate potentially life-threatening complications.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Sympathetic stimulation increases the rate of depolarization in the SA node, raising heart rate.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney secrete renin in response to low blood pressure or sodium levels.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Increased potassium permeability hyperpolarizes the AV node, slowing conduction and heart rate.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: LDL accumulation in arterial walls initiates atherosclerosis, leading to thrombus formation.