Pharmacology and the Nursing Process 9th Edition Test Bank

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step-by-step rationale for why choice C is correct: 1. The lab value of K at 3.2 mEq/L indicates hypokalemia. 2. Digitalis can worsen hypokalemia and lead to toxicity. 3. Avoiding foods rich in potassium will prevent further lowering of potassium levels. 4. This intervention helps prevent potential digitalis toxicity in the client. Summary of why the other choices are incorrect: A. Stopping digitalis therapy abruptly can lead to rebound effects and worsen the condition. B. Trousseau's and Chvostek's signs are not relevant to the client's current lab values. D. While observing for digitalis toxicity is important, addressing the low potassium level is a more immediate concern in this scenario.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Bronchospasm. Antiplatelet drugs commonly cause hypersensitivity reactions like bronchospasm due to their effects on platelet function. They can trigger an allergic response leading to bronchoconstriction. Difficulty hearing (A) is not a common hypersensitivity reaction to antiplatelet therapy. Confusion (B) is more commonly associated with central nervous system effects rather than hypersensitivity reactions. Agranulocytosis (D) is a severe drop in white blood cells and is not typically a hypersensitivity reaction to antiplatelet drugs.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The sudden sharp pain in the midepigastric region with a rigid boardlike abdomen in a patient with a bleeding gastric ulcer indicates a perforation of the ulcer. Perforation leads to leakage of gastric contents into the peritoneal cavity, causing peritonitis. This presentation requires immediate surgical intervention. Option A is incorrect as intestinal development does not correlate with the symptoms described. Option B is incorrect because inflammation of the esophagus would not lead to a rigid boardlike abdomen. Option D is incorrect as the sudden onset of symptoms is more indicative of a complication like perforation rather than the development of additional ulcers.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the nurse should primarily communicate with the patient, not just the daughter. This ensures patient-centered care and respects the patient's autonomy. Speaking only to the daughter may undermine the patient's dignity and may lead to incomplete information gathering. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they are appropriate nursing communication techniques that facilitate rapport-building and active listening with the patient. Making eye contact, leaning forward, and nodding are all positive non-verbal cues that show engagement and attentiveness to the patient, promoting effective communication and building trust.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: A rapid, thready pulse. After paracentesis, rapid removal of ascitic fluid can lead to a decrease in intravascular volume, causing hypovolemia and subsequent compensatory mechanisms like tachycardia (rapid pulse). This is a crucial sign that the nurse should monitor for early detection of hypovolemia. B: Decreased peristalsis is not directly related to paracentesis and is not an immediate concern post-procedure. C: Respiratory congestion is not a common complication of paracentesis and is not the most immediate concern. D: An increased temperature is not a typical response to paracentesis and is not a priority observation post-procedure.