The nurse sees a patient in an outpatient setting who is given a ...

[krzymel]

The nurse sees a patient in an outpatient setting who is given a new prescription for an antiarrhythmic medication to treat premature atrial contractions (PAC).
 
  The nurse has limited time with the patient and addresses what priority nursing diagnosis? A) Decreased cardiac output
  B) Alteration in comfort
  C) Deficient knowledge
  D) Potential for injury

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient taking dantrolene. How would the nurse assess the therapeutic effects of this drug?
 
  A) Observe the patient when emotionally stressed to assess for exacerbation of spasticity.
  B) Discontinue the drug for 2 to 4 days and assess for exacerbation of spasticity.
  C) Measure the amount of spasticity before and after administration of medication.
  D) Collect a thorough history to ask the patient any improvement has been noticed.

[scikid]

Answer to Question 1

C
Feedback:
The patient received a new prescription and needs information about how to take the medication, when to call the provider, and potential adverse effects so the priority nursing diagnosis is deficient knowledge. It is unknown what arrhythmia the patient is treating and without this information it is impossible to know what the impact on cardiac output, comfort and potential for injury may be.

Answer to Question 2

B
Feedback:
Periodically discontinue drug for 2 to 4 days to monitor therapeutic effectiveness. A clinical impression of exacerbation of spasticity indicates a positive therapeutic effect and justifies continued use of the drug. It would not be ethical to stress the patient, there is no known measurement of spasticity, and the patient may not be able to relate how much improvement was felt because it is unlikely all spasticity will be eliminated.

[krzymel]

Excellent

[kusterl]

Thanks for the timely response, appreciate it