A nurse assesses a client 2 hours after a cardiac angiography via the left femoral artery. The nurse notes that the left pedal pulse is weak. Which action should the nurse take?
- A. Elevate the leg and apply a sandbag to the entrance site
- B. Increase the flow rate of intravenous fluids
- C. Notify the provider immediately
- D. Document the finding as left pedal pulse of +1
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A weak pedal pulse post-angiography may indicate arterial obstruction or hematoma formation, which is a serious complication. The nurse should notify the provider immediately for further evaluation and intervention.
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A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a right-sided heart catheterization. For which complications of this procedure should the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Thrombophlebitis
- B. Stroke
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Myocardial infarction
- E. Cardiac tamponade
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Right-sided heart catheterization carries risks of thrombophlebitis, relationships pulmonary embolism, and cardiac tamponade. Stroke and myocardial infarction are more commonly associated with left-sided catheterizations.
A nurse assesses clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client should the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease?
- A. An 80-year-old male with a history of asthma
- B. A 32-year-old Asian-American male with colorectal cancer
- C. A 45-year-old American Indian female with diabetes mellitus
- D. A 53-year-old postmenopausal woman who is on hormone therapy
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The incidence of coronary artery disease and hypertension is higher in American Indians than in other populations. Diabetes mellitus further increases the risk for cardiovascular disease in any population, making the 45-year-old American Indian female with diabetes mellitus the client with the greatest risk.
A nurse teaches a client with diabetes mellitus and a body mass index of 42 who is at high risk for coronary artery disease. Which statement related to nutrition should the nurse include in this client's teaching?
- A. The best way to lose weight is a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet
- B. Follow the American Heart Association guidelines for nutrition
- C. A nutritionist will provide you with information about your new diet
- D. If you exercise more frequently, you won't need to change your diet
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Clients at high risk for coronary artery disease should follow the American Heart Association guidelines, which emphasize a balanced diet low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to reduce cardiovascular risk.
A nurse assesses a client who had a myocardial infarction and is hypotensive. Which additional assessment finding should the nurse suspect?
- A. Heart rate of 120 beats/min
- B. Cool, clammy skin
- C. Oxygen saturation of 90%
- D. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When a client experiences hypotension, baroreceptors in the aortic arch sense a pressure decrease in the vessels. The parasympathetic system responds by lessening the inhibitory effect on the sinoatrial node, resulting in an increased heart rate. A heart rate of 120 beats/min is indicative of tachycardia, which is a compensatory mechanism for low blood pressure.
A nurse prepares a client for a pharmacologic stress echocardiogram. Which actionsadalafil should the nurse take when preparing this client for the procedure? (Select all that apply.)
- A. Obtain peripheral venous access
- B. Prepare for continuous blood pressure and pulse monitoring
- C. Administer the client's prescribed beta blocker
- D. Give the client nothing by mouth 3 to 6 hours before the procedure
- E. Explain to the client that dobutamine will simulate exercise for this examination
Correct Answer: A,B,D,E
Rationale: For a pharmacologic stress echocardiogram, the nurse should obtain IV access, monitor blood pressure and pulse continuously, ensure the client is NPO for 3-6 hours, and educate about dobutamine's role in simulating exercise. Beta blockers are typically held to avoid interference with the stress test.
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