The nurse is caring for a client on amiodarone who complains of visual disturbances. What is the nurse's best response?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Visual disturbances can be a sign of serious side effects of amiodarone, such as optic neuropathy. Promptly notifying the healthcare provider allows for timely evaluation and appropriate management. Choice B is incorrect because visual disturbances with amiodarone are not common and should not be dismissed as such. Choice C is incorrect as self-monitoring may delay necessary medical intervention. Choice D is also incorrect as reducing physical activity does not address the underlying cause of visual disturbances and may not be necessary.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is option A) Patient requiring discharge teaching about coronary artery stenting prior to going home with spouse today. The rationale behind this choice is that this patient is stable, about to be discharged, and requires education on a specific procedure. This assignment would be suitable for a nurse from a general medical-surgical unit as it involves patient education rather than acute medical intervention. Option B is incorrect because a patient receiving IV furosemide for acute left ventricular failure requires specialized cardiac care and monitoring, which is beyond the scope of a nurse from a general unit. Option C is incorrect because a patient just transferred from a coronary angioplasty would need close monitoring and assessment, which requires expertise in post-procedure care. Option D is incorrect because a patient admitted with unstable angina and needing a heparin infusion and aspirin would also require specialized cardiac care and monitoring due to the acuity of the condition. In an educational context, this question highlights the importance of appropriate patient assignment based on the nurse's competency and the patient's needs. It emphasizes the significance of recognizing the level of care required for different cardiac patients and ensuring that nurses are assigned accordingly to provide safe and effective care.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In a long-term-care facility with a mix of RN, LPN/LVN, and nursing assistant staff, delegating tasks appropriately is crucial to ensure efficient and effective care delivery. The most appropriate activity to delegate to an LPN/LVN team leader in ongoing assessment of residents with heart failure is option A, weighing all residents with heart failure each morning. Weighing residents with heart failure is a task that primarily involves monitoring for fluid retention, a critical aspect of managing heart failure. LPN/LVNs are trained to perform routine measurements and assessments like weight monitoring under the supervision of an RN. This task allows for early detection of fluid overload or loss, which is essential in managing heart failure and preventing complications. Option B, listening to lung sounds and checking for edema weekly, involves more advanced assessment skills that are typically within the RN scope of practice. Option C, reviewing medications with residents monthly, requires a deeper understanding of pharmacology and potential side effects, making it more appropriate for an RN. Option D, updating activity plans quarterly, is a task more suited for nursing assistants who can assist with daily care plans under the supervision of licensed nurses. Educationally, understanding the scope of practice for different levels of nursing staff is important for effective delegation and optimal patient care. It ensures that tasks are assigned to the most appropriate team member based on their skills and training, promoting efficiency and quality in healthcare delivery.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer to the question, "Which of the following structures of the heart is called the pacemaker of the heart?" is B) SA node (Sinoatrial node). The SA node is known as the heart's natural pacemaker as it initiates the electrical impulses that set the pace for the heartbeat. It is located in the right atrium of the heart and generates electrical impulses to regulate the heart rate. The other options are incorrect for the following reasons: - A) AV junction: While important for the conduction of electrical impulses in the heart, it is not the primary pacemaker. - C) AV node: The AV node is responsible for delaying the electrical impulses to allow the atria to contract before the ventricles, but it is not the pacemaker. - D) Purkinje fibers: These are responsible for distributing the electrical impulses throughout the ventricles, but they do not initiate the heartbeat. Understanding the role of the SA node as the pacemaker of the heart is crucial in comprehending how the heart functions and regulates its rhythm. This knowledge is fundamental in cardiology and understanding common heart conditions like arrhythmias. Properly identifying the SA node's function helps in diagnosing and treating heart rhythm disorders effectively.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In older adults undergoing diuretic therapy, fluid and electrolyte imbalances can have significant consequences on their health. The correct answer, A) Fatigue, is a common manifestation of these imbalances. When there is a disruption in fluid and electrolyte levels, especially with diuretic use which can lead to dehydration and imbalances in sodium and potassium levels, fatigue can result due to decreased energy production and muscle weakness. Option B) Dyspnea, C) Chest pain, and D) Heart palpitations are not directly related to fluid and electrolyte imbalances resulting from diuretic therapy in older adults. Dyspnea is more commonly associated with respiratory or cardiac conditions. Chest pain is often indicative of cardiac issues such as angina or a heart attack. Heart palpitations may be related to cardiac arrhythmias or other heart conditions. Educationally, understanding the effects of diuretic therapy on fluid and electrolyte balance in older adults is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor and manage their patients effectively. It highlights the importance of assessing for signs and symptoms of imbalance, such as fatigue, and taking appropriate measures to prevent complications. This knowledge helps in providing safe and individualized care for older adults receiving diuretic therapy, promoting their overall well-being and quality of life.