1. A 58-year-old male with a history of chronic heart failure is prescribed a new medication regimen including a beta-blocker, ACE inhibitor, and a loop diuretic. Which of the following assessments is most critical before administering the loop diuretic? A. Serum potassium levels B. Blood pressure C. Heart rate D. Respiratory rate Answer: A. Serum potassium levels Rationale: Loop diuretics can lead to hypokalemia, which can exacerbate heart conditions and interact with other medications. 2. A patient with asthma is prescribed a short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) for relief of acute bronchospasm. Which of the following outcomes indicates effective treatment with this medication? A. Decreased respiratory rate B. Increased peak expiratory flow rate C. Reduced use of SABA over time D. Absence of systemic side effects Answer: B. Increased peak expiratory flow rate Rationale: The effectiveness of SABA is indicated by an increase in peak expiratory flow rate, reflecting improved airway patency.