Nokea
A 29-year-old client is admitted for a hysterectomy and is expressing concern regarding the procedure. Shortly into the preoperative teaching, the client complains of a tightness in the chest, feelings of suffocation, light-headedness, and tingling in the hands. The client's respirations are rapid and deep. The nursing assessment reveals that this client is:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Classic symptoms of a heart attack include a heaviness or squeezing pain in the chest, pain spreading to the jaw, neck, and arm. Nausea and vomiting, sweating, and shortness of breath may also be present. However, the client does not exhibit these symptoms. Clients suffering from anxiety or fear prior to surgical procedures may develop hyperventilation. This client is not seeking attention. Symptoms of complete airway obstruction include not being able to speak, lack of airflow between the nose and mouth, and absent breath sounds. A tightness in the chest, feelings of suffocation, light-headedness, tingling in the hands, and rapid deep respirations are signs and symptoms of hyperventilation, which is almost always a manifestation of anxiety.