When assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease, the nurse assesses the client for which of the following signs and symptoms that would be consistent with tissue ischemia?

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Question 1 of 5

When assessing a client with peripheral arterial disease, the nurse assesses the client for which of the following signs and symptoms that would be consistent with tissue ischemia?

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Leg pain while walking. This symptom, known as intermittent claudication, is characteristic of tissue ischemia due to inadequate blood flow in peripheral arterial disease. It occurs during physical activity when the muscles' oxygen demand exceeds the compromised blood supply. Peripheral edema (A) is not typically associated with tissue ischemia but rather with venous insufficiency. Widened pulse pressure (B) is a sign of conditions like aortic regurgitation, not specifically peripheral arterial disease. Brownish discoloration to the skin on the leg (D) may be a late sign of tissue damage but is not an early indicator of tissue ischemia in peripheral arterial disease.

Question 2 of 5

The nurse is assessing the laboratory values for a patient with chronic heart failure before administering furosemide. Which of the following values would cause the nurse to withhold this drug and notify the primary care provider?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Potassium level of 3.5 mEq/L. Furosemide is a loop diuretic that can lead to potassium depletion. A low potassium level (hypokalemia) can increase the risk of cardiac arrhythmias, especially in patients with chronic heart failure. Therefore, if the patient's potassium level is already low, administering furosemide can further decrease it and potentially lead to serious complications. Choice B: Digoxin level of 0.7 ng/mL is not directly related to the administration of furosemide. While digoxin toxicity can occur with low potassium levels, the focus here is on the impact of furosemide on potassium levels. Choice C: Calcium level of 5 mg/dL is not a direct contraindication for administering furosemide. Low calcium levels can affect cardiac function, but in this case, potassium level is more crucial. Choice D: Magnesium level of

Question 3 of 5

A nurse is preparing drugs for a cardiac arrest victim. Which of the following drug is used in almost all cardiac arrest scenarios?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Epinephrine. In cardiac arrest scenarios, epinephrine is essential for its vasoconstrictive and inotropic effects, helping to increase blood flow and perfusion to vital organs. Atropine is used for bradycardia, adenosine for supraventricular tachycardia, and sodium bicarbonate for metabolic acidosis. Epinephrine is the drug of choice in almost all cardiac arrest situations due to its crucial role in improving the chances of successful resuscitation.

Question 4 of 5

The client asks about side effects of taking digoxin. How does the nurse respond?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Tachycardia can be a side effect of digoxin. Digoxin is a cardiac medication that can lead to tachycardia as a side effect due to its impact on the heart's electrical activity. Anorexia (A), constipation (C), and urinary retention (D) are not commonly associated with digoxin use. Tachycardia is the most relevant side effect to address when discussing digoxin with a client, as it can indicate potential toxicity and the need for medical intervention.

Question 5 of 5

The client is given a beta blocker. How does this help the heart?

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: It decreases heart rate and the work of the heart. Beta blockers work by blocking the action of adrenaline on beta receptors in the heart, leading to a decrease in heart rate and the force of contraction. This helps the heart by reducing its workload and oxygen demand, making it more efficient. Incorrect choices: A: It increases preload - This is incorrect because beta blockers actually reduce preload by decreasing heart rate and myocardial contractility. C: It increases blood pressure - Beta blockers typically lower blood pressure by reducing heart rate and contractility. D: It can be used for ventricular tachycardia - While beta blockers can be used to manage certain types of tachycardias, they are not the first-line treatment for ventricular tachycardia.

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