The nurse is caring for a client with atrial fibrillation on dabigatran (Pradaxa). What is the most important instruction to give to the client?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale: 1. Dabigatran is an anticoagulant used to prevent blood clots. 2. Consistent dosing is crucial to maintain therapeutic levels. 3. Missing doses increases the risk of clot formation. 4. Taking it at the same time daily helps to ensure effectiveness. Summary: A: Taking with food is not essential for dabigatran. C: Alcohol does not directly interact with dabigatran. D: Monitoring for bleeding is important, but consistent dosing is the priority for efficacy.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Increase the dose of warfarin. INR of 1.2 indicates subtherapeutic levels. The nurse's priority is to adjust the dose to achieve a therapeutic range (usually 2-3). Increasing the dose is essential to prevent clot formation. Administering vitamin K (B) is not indicated for a low INR. Monitoring for bleeding (C) is important, but not the priority when the INR is subtherapeutic. Holding the next dose and notifying the healthcare provider (D) may be necessary if the INR is too high, not low.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia, a common side effect of furosemide. Administering a potassium supplement is essential to prevent complications like cardiac dysrhythmias. Choice B is incorrect because holding furosemide can worsen the client's condition. Choice C is incorrect as continuing the current dose can further lower potassium levels. Choice D is incorrect as Digibind is used to treat digoxin toxicity, not hypokalemia. Administering a potassium supplement addresses the underlying issue.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct response is C: Monitor the client's thyroid function tests regularly. This is the best approach because amiodarone can cause hypothyroidism, so monitoring thyroid function tests allows early detection and appropriate management. Option A is not necessary unless the client presents with severe symptoms. Option B is incorrect as hypothyroidism is a serious side effect that requires monitoring and possible treatment adjustments. Option D is not recommended as abruptly stopping amiodarone can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Regular monitoring ensures timely intervention if thyroid levels are abnormal.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Tachycardia. Dobutamine is a beta-adrenergic agonist that stimulates the heart, increasing heart rate and contractility. Therefore, tachycardia is an expected adverse effect. Bradycardia (B) would be unlikely due to dobutamine's cardiac stimulant effects. Hypertension (C) could occur but is less common than tachycardia. Respiratory distress (D) is not a common adverse effect of dobutamine.