An older adult client with heart failure comes to the emergency room because of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia. Based on the client's signs and symptoms, which data from the medical history has the most significance when planning this client's care?
Coronary artery bypass procedure was performed in 1995.
Colonoscopy performed for routine screening six months ago.
Digoxin and furosemide daily since 1996.
Suffered with depression following death of spouse in 1999.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. The history of coronary artery bypass surgery is important but does not directly relate to the current symptoms.
B. A recent colonoscopy is not relevant to the client's current symptoms.
C. Long-term use of digoxin and furosemide is highly significant as these medications can lead to digoxin toxicity, especially in the context of dehydration or renal insufficiency. Symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and anorexia are classic signs of digoxin toxicity.
D. A history of depression is important but not immediately relevant to the current symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and anorexia.
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Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Spasms of the neck and back can be symptoms of acute dystonia, a side effect of antipsychotic medications like chlorpromazine. Anticholinergic drugs such as benztropine mesylate can help manage these symptoms.
B. Spasms are not an expected side effect of chlorpromazine and require intervention rather than acceptance.
C. Refusing to administer chlorpromazine without consulting the healthcare provider may be premature; the priority is to address the symptoms.
D. Decreasing the dose and notifying the healthcare provider may be necessary, but first, it’s essential to determine if anticholinergic medication is required to address the acute symptoms.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Rationale:
A. The combination of glucose and insulin is used to shift potassium into cells, which would lower serum potassium levels further; this is not appropriate for treating hypokalemia.
B. Increasing dietary intake of potassium is important but not sufficient to correct a serum potassium level as low as 2.5 mEq/L, which requires more immediate intervention.
C. A potassium level of 2.5 mEq/L is critically low and can lead to life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. The healthcare provider should be informed immediately to initiate potassium replacement therapy, likely via intravenous infusion.
D. Hourly urinary output measurements may be useful but are not the immediate priority in treating severe hypokalemia.