Nokea
A client has experienced a myocardial infarction (MI). After the acute stage of the MI, what is the most lethal complication the nurse should be aware can occur?
- A. Thrombophlebitis
- B. Ventricular aneurysm
- C. Mitral valve prolapse
- D. Septic shock
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A ventricular aneurysm is the most lethal complication among clients who survive the acute stage of a myocardial infarction (MI). Thrombophlebitis is a complication of immobility. Mitral valve prolapse is an acquired disorder that is not a complication from having an MI. Cardiogenic shock, not septic shock, is a complication after sustaining an MI.
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The nurse is caring for a client who is having a mitral valve replacement with a mechanical valve. What instructions should the nurse be sure the client understands prior to being discharged?
- A. The valve should last for 10 to 15 years.
- B. The client will require anticoagulation.
- C. There is a low potential for thrombi formations so anticoagulation is not necessary.
- D. The valve is prone to calcification.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A mechanical valve should last at least 20 years. The disadvantages are the risk for thrombi and emboli, so anticoagulation is necessary. There is a risk of bleeding, and there can be a sudden malfunction in the valve. An allograft will last 10 to 15 years. A bioprosthetic valve does not require anticoagulation but is prone to deterioration and calcification.
The client will be having a surgical procedure that does not use cardiopulmonary bypass, and the surgeon keeps the heart at a rate of 40 beats/minute. What surgical procedure does the nurse anticipate preparing the client for?
- A. Port access coronary artery bypass (PACAB)
- B. Heart transplant
- C. Coronary artery bypass grafting
- D. Off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: OPCAB is very similar to conventional CABG except that it does not involve the use of a cardiopulmonary bypass machine. Instead, the surgeon keeps the heart beating at a slow rate (about 40 beats/minute) with drugs such as adenosine and esmolol. The other answers require cardiopulmonary bypass.
The nurse is measuring central venous pressure readings for a client receiving fluid resuscitation. Prior to obtaining the reading, what nursing action is required?
- A. Have the head of the bed at $90^{\circ}$.
- B. Ensure the level of the transducer is at the level of the right atrium.
- C. Ensure the transducer is above the level of the heart.
- D. Ensure the transducer is 2 inches below the level of the heart.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When measuring CVP, the nurse makes sure that the transducer is at the level of the client's right atrium; otherwise, an incorrect reading is obtained. The client is positioned supine or with the head slightly elevated but in exactly the same position as during previous measurements. Between CVP measurements, the head of the bed can be raised or lowered.
A client has a pulmonary artery catheter for monitoring and to ensure fluid balance. When measuring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, the nurse forgets to deflate the balloon and leaves it inflated. What outcome can be the result of this action by the nurse?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Pulmonary edema
- C. A myocardial infarction
- D. Pulmonary infarction
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: When measuring pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, the balloon must be deflated immediately after the pressure is measured to avoid pulmonary infarction from prolonged blockage of capillary blood flow. Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary edema, and myocardial infarction would not be the result of not deflating the balloon initially.
The nursing instructor is giving a class on assessing cardiac clients after thoracic surgery. What assessment is most important for the nurse to perform when caring for this client?
- A. Pulmonary artery pressure
- B. Temperature
- C. Skin and mentation
- D. Blood pressure
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse assesses the blood pressure (BP) and pulse rate in both arms after thoracic surgery. Although it is necessary for the nurse to also assess pulmonary artery pressure, temperature, skin, and mentation after thoracic surgery, blood pressure and pulse rate are the most essential assessments.