Nokea
The nurse is assessing the client following cardiac surgery. Which assessment findings should be of the greatest concern to the nurse?
- A. Jugular vein distention, muffled heart sounds, and BP 84/48
- B. Temperature 96.4°F (35.8°C), heart rate 58 bpm, and shivering
- C. Increased heart rate, audible S1 and S2, and pain rated at a 5
- D. Central venous pressure (CVP) 4 mm Hg, urine output 30 mL/hr, and sinus rhythm with a few PVCs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should be most concerned with JVD, muffled heart sounds, and hypotension (Beck’s Triad). This is a life-threatening event suggesting cardiac tamponade. Other findings are expected post-surgery or less critical.
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Upon assessing the client who has distal foot pain due to vascular insufficiency, the nurse notes the wound illustrated. When reviewing the client’s medical record, which notation is the nurse likely to find?
- A. Venous ulcer on left foot
- B. Arterial ulcer on right foot
- C. Diabetic ulcer on left foot
- D. Stress ulcer on right foot
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should find a notation of an arterial ulcer on the right foot. Arterial ulcers typically occur on the feet; they are deep, and the ulcer bed is pale with even, defined edges and limited granulation tissue. Venous ulcers are at the ankle, diabetic ulcers are plantar, and stress ulcers are gastric.
At 0745 hours, the nurse is informed by the HCP that a cardiac catheterization is to be completed on the client at 1400 hours. Which intervention should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Place the client on NPO (nothing per mouth) status.
- B. Teach the client about the cardiac catheterization.
- C. Start an intravenous (IV) infusion of 0.9% NaCl.
- D. Witness the client’s signature on the consent form.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure requiring the client to lie still in a supine position. The client is usually sedated with medication, such as midazolam, during the procedure. To avoid aspiration, the client should be NPO 6 to 12 hours prior to the procedure, making this the priority at 0745 for a 1400 procedure.
The nurse reviews symptoms of acute graft occlusion with the client who has had a revascularization graft procedure of the lower extremity. Which symptom of acute arterial occlusion stated by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. Severe pain
- B. Paresthesia
- C. Warm and red incisions
- D. Inability to move the foot
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Redness and warmth along the incision line are associated with inflammation or infection, not graft occlusion. Severe pain, paresthesia, and inability to move the foot are symptoms of acute arterial occlusion, indicating the client needs further teaching about incision symptoms.
After receiving normal CXR results of the client who had cardiac surgery, the nurse proceeds to remove the client’s chest tubes as prescribed. Which intervention should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Auscultate the client’s lung sounds
- B. Administer 2 mg morphine sulfate intravenously
- C. Turn off the suction to the chest drainage system
- D. Prepare the dressing supplies at the client’s bedside
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Because the peak action of morphine sulfate is 10 to 15 minutes, this should be administered first to manage pain during chest tube removal. Auscultation, turning off suction, and preparing supplies are secondary.
The nurse plans teaching for a 20-year-old newly diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The client is on the college soccer team. Which information should be the nurse’s priority when teaching the client?
- A. Provide pamphlets on genetic testing to avoid passing on an inherited disease.
- B. Reinforce the need to continue exercise with soccer to strengthen the heart.
- C. Provide information about CPR to persons living with the client.
- D. Counsel on foods for consuming on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because sudden cardiac death is a large risk factor for those under 30 years of age, the nurse should provide information about having others living with the client trained in CPR as a preventative measure. Genetic testing, continued strenuous exercise, and diet are less immediate priorities.