Question

A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac clinic.

Answer 1

Correct Highlights :

Digoxin 2.2 ng/mL (0.8 to 2 ng/mL)
Heart rate 55/min
Client reports nausea, constipation, and blurred vision.
feelings of fatigue

Rationale :

💠 Elevated digoxin level (2.2 ng/mL)

Therapeutic digoxin range is narrow, and levels above 2.0 ng/mL significantly increase the risk for toxicity.

Even mild elevations can cause toxicity, especially in older adults or clients with heart failure.

The client was recently started on digoxin, increasing the likelihood of accumulation.

Toxicity can occur even with normal potassium levels.

This lab value is a primary diagnostic indicator of digoxin toxicity.

💠 Bradycardia (Heart rate 55/min)

Digoxin slows conduction through the AV node, which can result in sinus bradycardia.

A heart rate below 60/min in a client on digoxin is concerning.

Bradycardia is a classic cardiac manifestation of digoxin toxicity.

Reduced heart rate increases the risk for dysrhythmias.

This finding aligns with the toxic cardiac effects of digoxin.

💠 Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea and constipation

GI disturbances are early and common signs of digoxin toxicity.

Nausea is often one of the first reported symptoms.

Constipation may occur due to altered GI motility.

These symptoms are not typical of heart failure improvement, pointing to medication effects.

Presence of GI symptoms alongside elevated digoxin strengthens suspicion of toxicity.

💠 Visual disturbances (blurred vision)

Visual changes are hallmark signs of digoxin toxicity.

Clients may report blurred vision, halos, or color perception changes.

These effects occur due to digoxin’s action on retinal cells.

Visual symptoms often indicate moderate to severe toxicity.

This finding is highly specific for digoxin toxicity.

💠 Fatigue

Digoxin toxicity can cause generalized weakness and fatigue.

Reduced heart rate and altered cardiac output contribute to low energy levels.

Fatigue may reflect systemic effects of toxicity rather than heart failure alone.

The symptom persists despite improvement in respiratory status.

Fatigue in this context supports toxic rather than therapeutic effects.

💠 Potassium level 4.8 mEq/L (normal)

Digoxin toxicity is worsened by hypokalemia, not normal potassium levels.

A potassium of 4.8 mEq/L is within therapeutic range and not toxic.

💠 Clear lung sounds

Clear lungs indicate improvement in fluid overload, not digoxin toxicity.

This finding reflects effective heart failure management, not medication toxicity.

💠 Reduced edema (1+ ankles)

Decreasing edema suggests improved cardiac output and diuresis.

This finding does not correlate with digoxin toxicity.

💠 Stable blood pressure (110/80 mm Hg)

Blood pressure remains within normal limits.

Digoxin toxicity more commonly affects heart rate and rhythm, not blood pressure.

💠 Normal oxygen saturation (96%)

Adequate oxygenation indicates stable respiratory status.

Digoxin toxicity does not directly cause hypoxia.

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Answer 2

Correct Answers

Blank 1 Correct Option: oxygen saturation
Blank 2 Correct Option: heart rate
Blank 3 Correct Option: temperature

Rationale :

Oxygen saturation

💠Hypoxia (SpO₂ 86%) is an immediate life-threatening finding and must be corrected first according to ABCs (Airway, Breathing, Circulation).

💠Malignant hyperthermia causes rapid muscle metabolism, leading to increased oxygen consumption.

💠Failure to correct hypoxia can quickly result in cardiac arrest and organ failure.

💠Supplemental oxygen and airway support are priority interventions.

💠Addressing oxygenation prevents further physiologic deterioration.

Heart rate

💠Tachycardia (HR 125/min) reflects a severe hypermetabolic and stress response.

💠Malignant hyperthermia leads to increased sympathetic stimulation and cardiac workload.

💠Persistent tachycardia increases the risk of fatal dysrhythmias.

💠Circulatory instability must be corrected after oxygenation is supported.

💠Managing heart rate supports adequate tissue perfusion.

Temperature

💠Severe hyperthermia (40.2°C / 104.4°F) is a defining feature of malignant hyperthermia.

💠Rapid temperature elevation occurs due to uncontrolled skeletal muscle contraction.

💠Hyperthermia worsens metabolic acidosis, rhabdomyolysis, and organ damage.

💠Active cooling and administration of dantrolene are critical.

💠Temperature control helps halt the malignant hypermetabolic cascade.

Muscle rigidity

💠Muscle rigidity is a classic sign of malignant hyperthermia, but it is not addressed before airway and oxygenation.

💠Treating rigidity alone does not correct hypoxia or circulatory collapse.

Lung sounds

💠Lung sounds are clear though diminished, which is not the most urgent threat.

💠Oxygen saturation provides more immediate information about respiratory compromise.

Bowel sounds

💠Hypoactive bowel sounds reflect stress and anesthesia effects, not an immediate danger.

💠GI findings are never a priority over airway, breathing, or circulation.

Mottling

💠Mottling indicates poor peripheral perfusion, but it is secondary to circulatory failure.

💠The underlying causes (hypoxia and tachycardia) must be treated first.

Respiratory rate

💠Although elevated, respiratory rate is less critical than actual oxygen saturation levels.

💠SPO₂ directly reflects oxygen delivery to tissues.

Nausea

💠Nausea is uncomfortable but not life-threatening in the acute phase.

💠It is managed only after stabilization of vital systems.

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Answer 3

Correct Answers

Blank 1 Correct Option: Hypotension
Blank 2 Correct Option: hypokalemia

Rationale :

Hypotension

💠Furosemide causes rapid diuresis, leading to significant intravascular fluid loss.

💠The client has produced large urine outputs (total >2,400 mL in a short time), indicating aggressive fluid removal.

💠Blood pressure dropped from 145/95 mm Hg to 103/72 mm Hg, demonstrating a downward trend toward hypotension.

💠Reduced circulating volume decreases venous return and cardiac output.

💠Clients with heart failure are especially vulnerable to hemodynamic instability during high-dose diuretic therapy.

Hypokalemia

💠Loop diuretics increase renal potassium excretion, placing clients at high risk for potassium depletion.

💠The client’s potassium level is 3.6 mEq/L, which is low-normal and vulnerable to further decline.

💠Continued IV bolus and infusion of furosemide increases ongoing potassium loss.

💠Hypokalemia increases the risk for cardiac dysrhythmias, especially in heart failure clients.

💠Close electrolyte monitoring is essential during high-dose diuretic administration.

Hypernatremia

💠Sodium loss typically occurs with loop diuretics due to increased sodium excretion.

💠The sodium level is normal (140 mEq/L), not elevated.

Hypoglycemia

💠Furosemide does not directly affect glucose metabolism.

💠No abnormal glucose values or diabetic history are indicated.

Hypercalcemia

💠Loop diuretics actually increase calcium excretion, lowering calcium levels rather than raising them.

💠The client’s calcium level is within normal limits.

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Answer 4

Correct Answers:

Monitor for hypoglycemia for 3 hr after pramlintide administration.

Rationale :

💠 Pramlintide is an amylin analog that slows gastric emptying and suppresses glucagon secretion, which enhances insulin effects.

💠 When given with rapid-acting insulin (lispro), the combined effect significantly increases hypoglycemia risk.

💠 Hypoglycemia most commonly occurs within 3 hours after administration, making this the critical monitoring window.

💠 Clients with type 1 diabetes are particularly vulnerable because they depend entirely on exogenous insulin.

💠 Early detection of hypoglycemia prevents seizures, loss of consciousness, and cardiac complications.

Monitor the client for weight gain.

💠Pramlintide is more commonly associated with weight loss, not weight gain.

💠Monitoring weight is not the priority safety concern with this medication.

Inject the pramlintide in the client's upper arm.

💠Pramlintide should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh, not the upper arm.

💠Using the wrong site can affect drug absorption and effectiveness.

Administer pramlintide 30 min prior to a meal.

💠Pramlintide must be given immediately before meals, not 30 minutes earlier.

💠Delayed timing increases the risk of severe hypoglycemia.

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Answer 5

Correct Answers:

Assess the client's gag reflex before offering oral intake
Listen to the client's breath sounds
Monitor the client's oxygen saturation
Monitor the client for manifestations of bleeding
Observe the client for manifestations of a pneumothorax

Rationale :

💠 Gag reflex assessment is essential after moderate sedation and topical anesthetics because airway protective reflexes may be temporarily suppressed, increasing the risk of aspiration if oral intake is given too soon.

💠 Auscultating breath sounds helps detect early changes such as decreased air entry, wheezing, or crackles, which can indicate complications following bronchoscopy.

💠 Oxygen saturation monitoring is required because sedation and airway manipulation can cause hypoventilation or hypoxemia, especially in the immediate post-procedure period.

💠 Monitoring for bleeding is critical since bronchoscopy can cause mucosal trauma, leading to hemoptysis or occult airway bleeding that requires prompt intervention.

💠 Observing for pneumothorax is necessary, particularly if biopsies were performed, as lung tissue disruption can result in pleural air leaks and respiratory compromise.

Assess the client’s puncture site

💠 Bronchoscopy is performed via the airway, not through a percutaneous puncture, so there is no external insertion site to assess.

💠 Routine post-procedure care focuses on airway and respiratory status, not skin or puncture-site monitoring.

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Answer 6

Correct Answers:

White coating in the mouth

Rationale :

💠 White coating in the mouth indicates oral candidiasis (thrush), a common but clinically significant adverse effect of inhaled corticosteroids like beclomethasone.

💠 Inhaled steroids suppress local immune defenses in the oropharynx, allowing fungal overgrowth, which can progress, cause pain, dysphagia, and poor adherence if untreated.

💠 This finding requires prompt provider notification because antifungal treatment may be needed and inhaler technique must be reinforced.

💠 Clients should be instructed to rinse the mouth after each use to prevent recurrence, making early identification critical.

💠 Because it represents a medication-related complication, it takes priority over expected, mild systemic effects.

💠 Nausea, myalgia, and headache are non-specific, mild side effects that may occur but are not immediately dangerous and usually managed conservatively unless severe or persistent.

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Answer 7

Correct Answers:

Serum creatinine
WBC count

Rationale :

💠 Serum creatinine must be closely monitored because gentamicin (an aminoglycoside) is nephrotoxic, and rising creatinine levels indicate renal impairment, which may require dose adjustment or discontinuation.

💠 Gentamicin is primarily excreted by the kidneys, so even mild changes in renal function can lead to drug accumulation and toxicity, making kidney monitoring a priority.

💠 WBC count is monitored to evaluate the effectiveness of therapy, as decreasing WBC levels suggest resolution of the bacterial infection being treated.

💠 Monitoring WBC trends helps determine whether the antibiotic regimen is therapeutically effective or if further evaluation is needed.

💠 Glucose levels are not directly affected by gentamicin and are not a routine monitoring parameter for this medication.

💠 Prothrombin time is unrelated to aminoglycoside therapy and is more relevant for anticoagulant use.

💠 Cardiac enzymes are used to assess myocardial injury, not antibiotic safety or effectiveness.

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Answer 8

Correct Answers:

Pregnancy status

Rationale :

💠 Raloxifene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is contraindicated in pregnancy because it can cause fetal harm.

💠 The medication has estrogen-like effects on bone and reproductive tissues, making exposure during pregnancy unsafe.

💠 Assessing pregnancy status prior to initiation is essential to prevent teratogenic risk.

💠 Raloxifene is indicated for postmenopausal osteoporosis, so confirming the client is not pregnant aligns with safe prescribing practices.

💠 This assessment directly impacts client safety and determines whether therapy can be started.

💠 CBC results are not required prior to starting raloxifene, as the medication does not routinely affect blood cell counts.

💠 Family history of colon cancer is not a contraindication and does not influence raloxifene initiation.

💠 Thyroid function is unrelated to raloxifene’s mechanism of action and is not required for baseline assessment.

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Answer 9

Correct Answers:

Potassium level
WBC with differential
BUN level

Rationale :

Potassium level

💠 Captopril (ACE inhibitor) decreases aldosterone secretion, which can cause potassium retention.

💠 This places the client at risk for hyperkalemia, especially with long-term therapy.

💠 Elevated potassium can lead to dangerous cardiac dysrhythmias if unrecognized.

💠 Routine potassium monitoring is essential for medication safety.

💠 Early detection allows timely dietary or medication adjustments.

WBC with differential

💠 Captopril is associated with neutropenia/agranulocytosis, particularly with prolonged use.

💠 Monitoring the WBC differential helps detect early bone marrow suppression.

💠 A low neutrophil count increases the risk for serious infection.

💠 This adverse effect, though uncommon, is clinically significant.

💠 Regular review supports early intervention and drug discontinuation if needed.

BUN level

💠 ACE inhibitors can reduce glomerular filtration, especially in clients with renal impairment.

💠 An elevated BUN may indicate worsening renal function.

💠 Captopril is partly excreted by the kidneys, making renal monitoring critical.

💠 Long-term therapy increases the importance of renal surveillance.

💠 Monitoring helps prevent acute or chronic kidney injury.

Hemoglobin level

💠 Captopril does not routinely affect red blood cell production.

💠 Hemoglobin monitoring is not standard for ACE inhibitor therapy.

Glucose level

💠 Captopril does not directly alter blood glucose regulation.

💠 Glucose monitoring is unrelated unless the client has diabetes or other risk factors.

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Answer 10

Correct Answers:

Peripheral edema
Bradycardia
Constipation
Reports of blurred vision

Rationale :

Peripheral edema

💠 Verapamil, a calcium channel blocker, causes vasodilation, which can lead to fluid shifting into peripheral tissues.

💠 This commonly results in ankle or lower-extremity swelling, especially with ongoing therapy.

💠 The finding reflects a known cardiovascular adverse effect rather than fluid overload.

💠 It should be monitored to prevent discomfort and complications.

💠 Persistent edema may require dose adjustment or therapy review.

Bradycardia

💠 Verapamil slows AV node conduction, leading to a decreased heart rate.

💠 Clients may develop bradycardia, particularly with long-term use.

💠 This effect is more pronounced in clients with underlying cardiac conduction disorders.

💠 Monitoring heart rate helps prevent symptomatic hypotension or syncope.

💠 Bradycardia is a clinically significant adverse effect.

Constipation

💠 Verapamil reduces smooth muscle motility in the gastrointestinal tract.

💠 This makes constipation one of its most common adverse effects.

💠 Clients often require dietary fiber, fluids, or stool softeners.

💠 The effect increases with chronic therapy.

💠 Early identification improves medication adherence and comfort.

Reports of blurred vision

💠 Verapamil can cause visual disturbances due to vascular and neurologic effects.

💠 Blurred vision is a recognized adverse reaction.

💠 Clients should be advised to use caution with activities requiring visual acuity.

💠 Monitoring ensures the effect does not progress.

💠 It supports timely provider notification if persistent.

Reports of insomnia

💠 Verapamil is not associated with CNS stimulation.

💠 Insomnia is not a typical adverse effect of calcium channel blockers.

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Pharm Assessment 1 2026

No.

1 :
A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac clinic.

Correct Highlights :

2 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Correct Answers

3 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department.

Correct Answers

4 :
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client takes lispro insulin and has a new prescription for pramlintide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

5 :
A nurse is caring for a client following a bronchoscopy with moderate sedation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

6 :
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking beclomethasone. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

7 :
A nurse is caring for a client receiving an intermittent IV bolus of gentamicin twice daily. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving this medication? (Select all that apply.)

8 :
A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoporosis and a new prescription for raloxifene. Which of the following should the nurse assess prior to initiating therapy?

9 :
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking captopril for one year. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse review? (Select all that apply.)

10 :
nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has been taking verapamil as prescribed for two months. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

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Pharm Assessment 1 2026

No.

1 : A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac clinic.

Correct Highlights :

2 : A nurse is caring for a client in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

Correct Answers

3 : A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department.

Correct Answers

4 : A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client takes lispro insulin and has a new prescription for pramlintide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

5 : A nurse is caring for a client following a bronchoscopy with moderate sedation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

6 : A nurse is assessing a client who is taking beclomethasone. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

7 : A nurse is caring for a client receiving an intermittent IV bolus of gentamicin twice daily. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving this medication? (Select all that apply.)

8 : A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoporosis and a new prescription for raloxifene. Which of the following should the nurse assess prior to initiating therapy?

9 : A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking captopril for one year. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse review? (Select all that apply.)

10 : nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has been taking verapamil as prescribed for two months. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)

1 :
A nurse is caring for a client in a cardiac clinic.

2 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU).

3 :
A nurse is caring for a client in the emergency department.

4 :
A nurse is preparing to administer medications to a client who has type 1 diabetes mellitus. The client takes lispro insulin and has a new prescription for pramlintide. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

5 :
A nurse is caring for a client following a bronchoscopy with moderate sedation. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? (Select all that apply.)

6 :
A nurse is assessing a client who is taking beclomethasone. Which of the following findings is the priority to report to the provider?

7 :
A nurse is caring for a client receiving an intermittent IV bolus of gentamicin twice daily. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse monitor while the client is receiving this medication? (Select all that apply.)

8 :
A nurse is caring for a client who has osteoporosis and a new prescription for raloxifene. Which of the following should the nurse assess prior to initiating therapy?

9 :
A nurse is caring for a client who has been taking captopril for one year. Which of the following laboratory values should the nurse review? (Select all that apply.)

10 :
nurse is performing an assessment on a client who has been taking verapamil as prescribed for two months. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as adverse effects of this medication? (Select all that apply.)