In providing community education on prevention of peripheral arterial disease, the nurse is careful to include which of the following as a major risk factor?

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Cigarette smoking. Smoking is a major risk factor for peripheral arterial disease (PAD) as it can lead to the narrowing of blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities. This can result in the development of PAD. Smoking cessation is crucial in preventing and managing PAD. Rationale for other choices: A: Dysrhythmias - Dysrhythmias are irregular heartbeats and are not a major risk factor for PAD. B: Low-protein intake - While poor nutrition can impact overall health, low-protein intake is not a major risk factor specifically for PAD. C: Exposure to cool weather - Cool weather exposure can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with PAD, but it is not a major risk factor for developing the condition.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C - Cardiogenic shock. In this scenario, the vital sign trends indicate a progressive decline in blood pressure (BP) along with an increasing heart rate (HR) and respiratory rate (RR), which are signs of hemodynamic instability. Cardiogenic shock is a serious complication of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and occurs when the heart is unable to pump enough blood to meet the body's demands. The decreasing BP and increasing HR in this patient suggest a failing cardiac output, leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and subsequent shock. Syncope (choice A) is possible but less likely given the progressive decline in vital signs. Pericarditis (choice B) typically presents with chest pain and ECG changes different from those seen in this case. Cardiac tamponade (choice D) is characterized by Beck's triad (muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular venous distention), which is not evident in the vital sign trends provided.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. In the early stages of dehydration, the body tries to conserve water, leading to sunken eyeballs due to decreased fluid volume and poor skin turgor as skin loses its elasticity. Thirst or confusion (choice B) occur in moderate dehydration. Increased heart rate with hypotension (choice C) is a sign of severe dehydration. Coma or seizures (choice D) are extreme manifestations of dehydration and do not typically occur in the early stages.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Hydrochlorothiazide decreases potassium, increasing the risk of digoxin toxicity. Rationale: 1. Hydrochlorothiazide is a diuretic that can cause potassium loss. 2. Digoxin is a medication that requires adequate potassium levels for proper function. 3. Low potassium levels can potentiate the toxicity of digoxin, leading to adverse effects. Summary: A: Incorrect, hydrochlorothiazide does not increase digoxin levels. B: Incorrect, hydrochlorothiazide's potassium-lowering effect can increase digoxin toxicity. D: Incorrect, digoxin does not affect the effectiveness of hydrochlorothiazide.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because a client with asthma would benefit from a cardio-selective beta blocker since it has less effect on beta-2 receptors in the lungs, thus reducing the risk of bronchoconstriction. Choice A is incorrect because beta blockers do not cause blockage in blood vessels. Choice B is incorrect as hypotension is not a reason for cardio-selective beta blockers. Choice D is incorrect as hypoglycemia is not typically worsened by non-cardio-selective beta blockers.