A client has developed atrial fibrillation resulting in a ventricular rate of 150 beats per minute. The nurse should assess the client for which effects of this cardiac occurrence? Select all that apply.
- A. Dyspnea
- B. Flat neck veins
- C. Nausea and vomiting
- D. Chest pain or discomfort
- E. Hypotension and dizziness
- F. Hypertension and headache
Correct Answer: A,D,E
Rationale: The client with uncontrolled atrial fibrillation with a ventricular rate over 100 beats per minute is at risk for low cardiac output caused by loss of atrial kick. The nurse should assess the client for palpitations, chest pain or discomfort, hypotension, pulse deficit, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, syncope, shortness of breath, and distended neck veins. Neither headache nor nausea and vomiting are associated with the effects of uncontrolled atrial fibrillation.
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The nurse has completed tracheostomy care for a client whose tracheostomy tube has a nondisposable inner cannula. Which intervention will the nurse implement immediately before reinserting the inner cannula?
- A. Rinsing it in sterile water
- B. Suctioning the client's airway
- C. Tapping it gently against a sterile basin
- D. Drying it with the provided pipe cleaners
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: After washing and rinsing the inner cannula, the nurse taps it dry to remove large water droplets and then uses pipe cleaners specifically for use with a tracheostomy to dry it; then the nurse inserts the cannula into the tracheostomy and turns it clockwise to lock it into place. The nurse should avoid shaking or tapping the inner cannula to prevent contamination. A wet cannula should not be inserted into a tracheostomy because water is a lung irritant.
A client prescribed prazosin hydrochloride asks the nurse why the first dose must be taken at bedtime. Which response by the nurse is based on the understanding of the first dose use of prazosin hydrochloride?
- A. Treatment with prazosin hydrochloride results in drowsiness.
- B. Treatment with prazosin hydrochloride can cause dependent edema.
- C. Prazosin hydrochloride should be taken when the stomach is empty.
- D. Treatment with prazosin hydrochloride can cause dizziness or possible syncope.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Prazosin is an alpha-adrenergic blocking agent. 'First-dose hypotensive reaction' may occur during early therapy, which is characterized by dizziness, lightheadedness, and possible loss of consciousness. The occurrence of these effects is better tolerated if the client is in bed. This also can occur when the dosage is increased. This effect usually disappears with continued use or the dosage is decreased.
The nurse is planning care for a client with a chest tube attached to a Pleur-Evac drainage system. The nurse should include which interventions in the plan? Select all that apply.
- A. Changing the client's position often
- B. Clamping the chest tube intermittently
- C. Maintaining the collection chamber below the client's waist
- D. Adding water to the suction control chamber as it evaporates
- E. Taping the connection between the chest tube and the drainage system
Correct Answer: A,C,D,E
Rationale: Changing the client's position frequently is necessary to promote drainage and ventilation. Maintaining the system below waist level is indicated to prevent fluid from reentering the pleural space. Adding water to the suction control chamber is an appropriate nursing action and is done as needed to maintain the full suction level prescribed. Taping the connection between the chest tube and system is also indicated to prevent accidental disconnection. To prevent a tension pneumothorax, the nurse avoids clamping the chest tube, unless specifically prescribed. In many facilities, clamping of the chest tube is contraindicated by agency policy.
The nurse is performing an assessment on a female client who is suspected of having mittelschmerz. Which subjective finding supports the possibility of this condition?
- A. Experiences pain during intercourse
- B. Has pain at the onset of menstruation
- C. Experiences profuse vaginal bleeding
- D. Has sharp pelvic pain during ovulation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mittelschmerz (middle pain) refers to pelvic pain that occurs midway between menstrual periods or at the time of ovulation. The pain is caused by a growth follicle within the ovary, or rupture of the follicle and subsequent spillage of follicular fluid and blood into the peritoneal space. The pain is fairly sharp and is felt on the right or left side of the pelvis. It generally lasts 1 to 3 days, and slight vaginal bleeding may accompany the discomfort.
The nurse is preparing to administer eardrops to an infant. The nurse should plan to proceed by taking which step to assure the appropriate instillation of the medication?
- A. Pull down and back on the auricle, and direct the solution onto the eardrum.
- B. Pull up and back on the earlobe, and direct the solution toward the wall of the ear canal.
- C. Pull up and back on the auricle, and direct the solution toward the wall of the ear canal.
- D. Pull down and back on the auricle, and direct the solution toward the wall of the ear canal.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The infant should be turned on the side with the affected ear uppermost. With the nondominant hand, the nurse pulls down and back on the auricle. The wrist of the dominant hand is rested on the infant's head. The medication is administered by aiming it at the wall of the ear canal rather than directly onto the eardrum. The infant should be held or positioned with the affected ear uppermost for 10 to 15 minutes to retain the solution. In the adult, the auricle is pulled up and back to straighten the auditory canal.