When administering furosemide (Lasix) to a client, which lab value is most important to monitor?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can cause potassium loss through increased urine output. Monitoring potassium levels is crucial to prevent hypokalemia, which can lead to serious cardiac arrhythmias. Sodium (B) and chloride (D) levels can also be affected by furosemide but are not as critical as potassium. Calcium (C) monitoring is not typically required when administering furosemide. By closely monitoring potassium levels, healthcare providers can prevent potential complications and ensure the safe administration of furosemide.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Daily weight reflects fluid status.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Myocarditis is the correct answer because it specifically refers to inflammation of the heart muscle often caused by a viral infection, leading to impaired heart function. It directly addresses the condition described in the question. Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves, not the heart muscle. Pericarditis is inflammation of the outer lining of the heart, not the heart muscle. Cardiomyopathy is a general term for diseases of the heart muscle that impair its ability to pump blood, but it does not specifically mention inflammation caused by viral infections.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cor pulmonale. Cor pulmonale is right-sided heart failure due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, typically caused by chronic lung disease. This leads to the right side of the heart working harder to pump blood through the lungs, resulting in eventual failure. Pulmonary embolism (C) is a sudden blockage in the pulmonary artery, not a chronic condition. Heart failure (B) is a general term for when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, not specific to the right side. Myocarditis (D) is inflammation of the heart muscle, not directly related to pulmonary hypertension.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: Improvement in symptoms is a key indicator of effective anticoagulant therapy.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Demand pacemakers fire only when needed.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Mitral regurgitation. In this condition, the mitral valve fails to close properly, causing blood to flow back into the left atrium during ventricular contraction. This results in decreased forward blood flow and increased volume in the left atrium and ventricle. Mitral regurgitation can lead to symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart murmur upon auscultation. Now, let's analyze the other choices: B: Aortic stenosis - This involves narrowing of the aortic valve, obstructing blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. C: Tricuspid regurgitation - Involves backward flow of blood from the right ventricle to the right atrium due to a faulty tricuspid valve. D: Pulmonary hypertension - Elevated blood pressure in the pulmonary arteries, usually caused by underlying conditions affecting the lungs or heart. Therefore, the correct answer is A because it specifically describes

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the buildup of plaque in the arteries due to the accumulation of cholesterol and other substances. This narrowing and hardening of the arteries can lead to heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular diseases. Arteriosclerosis (choice B) refers to the thickening and hardening of the arterial walls, which is a general term and not specific to plaque buildup. Hypertension (choice C) is high blood pressure, which can contribute to atherosclerosis but is not the primary cause. Diabetes (choice D) can also be a risk factor for atherosclerosis, but it is not the direct buildup of plaque in the arteries.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The PR interval measures the time it takes for the electrical signal to travel from the atria to the ventricles, reflecting atrial depolarization and the delay at the AV node before ventricular activation. Option A is correct as it accurately describes the PR interval. Option B is incorrect as the PR interval does not measure ventricular depolarization. Option C is incorrect as the PR interval does not represent ventricular repolarization. Option D is incorrect as it describes the QT interval, not the PR interval.