A nurse assesses an older adult client who has multiple chronic diseases. The client’s heart rate is 48 beats/min. Which action should the nurse take first?
- A. Document the finding in the chart.
- B. Initiate external pacing.
- C. Assess the client’s medications.
- D. Administer 1 mg of atropine.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A heart rate of 48 beats/min (bradycardia) in an older adult with multiple chronic diseases may be due to medication side effects. Assessing the client’s medications is the first step to determine if any drugs are contributing to the bradycardia.
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The nurse is caring for a school-age child who has had a cardiac catheterization. The child tells the nurse that the bandage is “too wet.†The nurse finds the bandage and bed soaked with blood. What is the priority nursing action?
- A. Notify physician
- B. Apply new bandage with more pressure
- C. Place the child in Trendelenburg position
- D. Apply direct pressure above catheterization site
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: If bleeding occurs, direct continuous pressure is applied 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the percutaneous skin site to localize pressure over the vessel puncture. Notifying a physician and applying a new bandage can be done after pressure is applied. The nurse can have someone else notify the physician while the pressure is being maintained. It is not a helpful intervention to place the girl in the Trendelenburg position. It would increase the drainage from the lower extremities.
What are FOUR typical cath findings consistent with biatrial enlargement?
- A. Prominent y-descent
- B. Square root sign
- C. RVSp >55mmHg
- D. RVEDp/RVSp <1/3
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: These cath findings are indicative of biatrial enlargement, typically observed in certain heart conditions affecting the atrial chambers.
In the treatment of asthma, inhaled corticosteroids:
- A. Relieve acute symptoms
- B. Prevent long-term symptoms
- C. Cause airway constriction
- D. Are contraindicated in pregnancy
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Inhaled corticosteroids are used in asthma management to prevent inflammation and control long-term symptoms, though they do not relieve acute attacks.
An older adult with heart failure is hospitalized during an acute exacerbation. To reduce cardiac workload, which intervention should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?
- A. Assist with ambulation in the hallway
- B. Encourage active range of motion exercises
- C. Provide a bedside commode for toileting
- D. Teach to sleep in a side-laying position
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Providing a bedside commode reduces the need for the client to walk to the bathroom, decreasing strain on the heart.
Features that would increase suspicion of cerebral palsy at age 9 months include:
- A. Presence of Moro reflex
- B. Abductor spasm
- C. Hand dominance
- D. Grasp reflex
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Hand dominance at 9 months is a red flag for cerebral palsy. The persistence of primitive reflexes like the Moro and grasp reflexes can also be indicative.