When monitoring a client on dobutamine, what is the most important parameter to assess?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Blood pressure. When monitoring a client on dobutamine, the most important parameter to assess is blood pressure because dobutamine is a medication that increases heart contractility, potentially leading to increased cardiac output and subsequent changes in blood pressure. Monitoring blood pressure helps to ensure that the medication is having the desired effect without causing adverse effects such as hypertension or hypotension. Heart rate (B) can be influenced by dobutamine but is not as critical as blood pressure. Oxygen saturation (C) and respiratory rate (D) are important parameters to monitor in general but are not directly influenced by dobutamine.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. Shortness of breath in a client on amiodarone can indicate a serious side effect such as pulmonary toxicity or interstitial lung disease. The nurse should prioritize the client's safety by promptly informing the healthcare provider for further evaluation and management. This is crucial to prevent potential harm or worsening of the condition. Summary: - Choice B is incorrect because shortness of breath with amiodarone is not a common side effect to be reassured about. - Choice C is incorrect as monitoring symptoms at home may delay necessary medical intervention. - Choice D is incorrect as reducing physical activity does not address the potential serious side effect of amiodarone.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Hold the next dose of warfarin. With an INR of 1.5, the client's blood is not adequately anticoagulated, increasing the risk of blood clots. Holding the next dose will prevent further thinning of blood and allow the INR to increase to the target range. Increasing the dose (A) could lead to over-anticoagulation, risking bleeding. Continuing the current dose (C) maintains inadequate anticoagulation. Monitoring (D) is important, but the immediate action should be to hold the next dose.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Notify the healthcare provider immediately. When a client on nitroglycerin reports chest pain, it could indicate a worsening condition or potential myocardial infarction. The nurse's priority is to notify the healthcare provider promptly for further assessment and intervention. Administering nitroglycerin (choice A) may not address the underlying cause of the chest pain. Administering morphine (choice B) may mask symptoms and delay appropriate treatment. Administering aspirin (choice C) is important in chest pain management but does not take priority over notifying the healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Cough. Enalapril is an ACE inhibitor that can cause a dry, persistent cough as a common side effect. It is important to monitor for this because it can indicate a potentially serious adverse reaction called angioedema. Hyperkalemia (B) is a possible side effect of enalapril but is typically not as urgent to monitor as cough. Hypotension (C) is a common side effect but is usually monitored during the initial dose titration. Dizziness (D) is a less common side effect and is often transient. Monitoring for cough is crucial to detect and manage any potential angioedema promptly.