The nurse is administering nitroglycerin IV to a client with chest pain. What is the most important parameter to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering nitroglycerin IV for chest pain, monitoring blood pressure is crucial as it can drop significantly, leading to hypotension. This can cause further complications. Heart rate may increase initially due to vasodilation, but it's not the most important parameter. Oxygen saturation and respiratory rate are also important but monitoring blood pressure takes precedence in this situation.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Increased cardiac output. ACE inhibitors work by dilating blood vessels and reducing the workload on the heart. This leads to improved cardiac output, as the heart can pump more efficiently. Decreased blood pressure (choice A) is a common side effect due to vasodilation. Increased heart rate (choice B) and decreased heart rate (choice D) are not expected outcomes of ACE inhibitor use. Therefore, the most appropriate and expected outcome of administering an ACE inhibitor in heart failure is an increase in cardiac output, making choice C the correct answer.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Rationale: 1. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss. 2. Potassium level of 2.9 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, which can lead to serious complications. 3. Priority is to address low potassium levels to prevent adverse effects like cardiac arrhythmias. 4. Administering potassium supplements helps to normalize potassium levels promptly. Summary: B: Holding furosemide without addressing low potassium can worsen the imbalance. C: Continuing the current dose without addressing low potassium can lead to further depletion. D: Decreasing furosemide dose before addressing low potassium can delay correcting the imbalance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When administering dobutamine, a medication that increases heart contractility, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure. This is because dobutamine can cause significant changes in blood pressure, including hypotension or hypertension, which can have serious implications for the client's hemodynamic stability. Monitoring blood pressure allows for timely intervention and adjustment of the medication dosage to ensure optimal cardiovascular function. Heart rate (B), oxygen saturation (C), and respiratory rate (D) are also important parameters to monitor but are not the primary concern when administering dobutamine, as its effects on blood pressure are more critical for patient safety and treatment efficacy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct response is A: Advise the client to rise slowly to prevent dizziness. Nitroglycerin patches can cause orthostatic hypotension, leading to dizziness when standing up quickly. By advising the client to rise slowly, the nurse can help prevent a sudden drop in blood pressure and reduce the risk of dizziness and falls. This response promotes client safety and addresses the underlying cause of the symptom. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect: B: Instructing the client to discontinue nitroglycerin patches is not appropriate without consulting the healthcare provider. Abruptly stopping nitroglycerin can lead to serious complications. C: Encouraging the client to rest and avoid physical activity does not address the issue of orthostatic hypotension caused by nitroglycerin patches. D: Suggesting an over-the-counter antiemetic is not indicated for dizziness related to orthostatic hypotension. It does not address the underlying cause