A client with a history of angina is being admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings will help the nurse distinguish stable angina from an MI?
- A. MI only occurs with exertion.
- B. Stable angina can occur for longer than 30 minutes.
- C. Stable angina can be relieved with rest and nitroglycerin.
- D. The pain of an MI lasts less than 15 minutes.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Stable angina is usually relieved within 3-5 minutes by rest or nitroglycerin, while MI pain is more prolonged and severe and not relieved by these measures.
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A nurse is assessing a client who has sustained a traumatic brain injury. The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of increased intracranial pressure?
- A. Tachypnea
- B. Hypotension
- C. Decreased level of consciousness
- D. Bilateral weakness of extremities
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Decreased LOC is the earliest and most sensitive sign of increased ICP.
A student nurse asks the RN about the clinical manifestations of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Which of the following findings should the nurse discuss? (Select all that apply).
- A. Shortness of breath
- B. Difficulty swallowing
- C. Upper chest pain
- D. Diaphoresis
- E. Cough
- F. Hoarseness
Correct Answer: A,B,C,E,F
Rationale: These reflect compression of adjacent structures (trachea, esophagus, recurrent laryngeal nerve) by the aneurysm.
A client in the emergency department has suspected stomach perforation due to a peptic ulcer. The nurse is completing the assessment and should expect which of the following findings? (Select all that apply).
- A. Tachycardia
- B. Rebound tenderness
- C. Rigid abdomen
- D. Elevated blood pressure
Correct Answer: A,B,C
Rationale: These are classic signs of perforation and peritonitis: tachycardia from pain/stress, rebound tenderness and rigidity from peritoneal irritation.
A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who had a seizure and became unresponsive after stating they had a sudden, severe headache. The client's vital signs are as follows: blood pressure of 198/110 mm Hg, pulse of 82/min, respirations of 24/min, and a temperature of 38.2° C (100.8° F). Which of the following neurological disorders should the nurse suspect?
- A. Embolic stroke
- B. Thrombotic stroke
- C. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
- D. Hemorrhagic stroke
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The sudden severe headache followed by seizure and unresponsiveness with elevated BP suggests hemorrhagic stroke.
A nurse is caring for a client who reports a new onset of severe chest pain. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to determine if the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction?
- A. Perform a 12-lead ECG
- B. Determine if pain radiates to the left arm
- C. Check the client's blood pressure
- D. Auscultate heart tones
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: ECG is the primary diagnostic tool for MI, showing characteristic ST changes.