The cardiac monitor of the client diagnosed with Prinzmetal’s angina shows a prolonged PR interval of 0.32 seconds. Which prescribed medication should the nurse question administering to the client?
- A. Isosorbide mononitrate 20 mg oral daily
- B. Amlodipine 10 mg oral daily
- C. Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingual prn
- D. Atenolol 50 mg oral daily
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atenolol (Tenormin), a beta blocker, blocks stimulation of beta1 (myocardial)-adrenergic receptors, causing a reduction in BP and HR. A side effect of the medication is a prolongation of the PR interval (normal PR interval is 0.12 to 0.20 second). Continued use of the drug can result in heart block. The nurse should question administering atenolol. Other medications do not prolong the PR interval.
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The client calls for the nurse after experiencing sharp chest pains that radiate to the left shoulder. All of the following interventions were prescribed on admission for treating chest pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. STAT 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)
- B. Oxygen 4 liters by nasal cannula
- C. Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingual
- D. Morphine sulfate 2-4 mg IV prn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen should be available in the room and should be initiated first to enhance oxygen flow to the myocardium. ECG, nitroglycerin, and morphine are important but secondary to improving oxygenation in acute chest pain.
The client asks the nurse what can be done to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. “Dangle your legs off the side of the bed as often as possible to alleviate the pain.”
- B. “There isn’t much you can do about the pain except have surgery to remove the veins.”
- C. “You should wear long pants to hide bulging veins; this will help your self-confidence.”
- D. “Wear elastic stockings to promote venous return; these will also help reduce discomfort.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins includes application of elastic stockings and elevating the lower extremities. These promote venous return. Dangling legs, surgery as the only option, or wearing long pants do not address the pain effectively.
The nurse plans teaching for a 20-year-old newly diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The client is on the college soccer team. Which information should be the nurse’s priority when teaching the client?
- A. Provide pamphlets on genetic testing to avoid passing on an inherited disease.
- B. Reinforce the need to continue exercise with soccer to strengthen the heart.
- C. Provide information about CPR to persons living with the client.
- D. Counsel on foods for consuming on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because sudden cardiac death is a large risk factor for those under 30 years of age, the nurse should provide information about having others living with the client trained in CPR as a preventative measure. Genetic testing, continued strenuous exercise, and diet are less immediate priorities.
The nurse is teaching the client newly diagnosed with chronic stable angina. Which instructions on measures to prevent future angina should the nurse incorporate? Select all that apply.
- A. Increase isometric arm exercises to build endurance.
- B. Wear a facemask when outdoors in cold weather.
- C. Take nitroglycerin before a stressful event even if pain free.
- D. Perform most exertional activities in the morning.
- E. Take a daily laxative to avoid straining with bowel movements.
- F. Discontinue use of all tobacco products if you use these.
Correct Answer: B;C;F
Rationale: The nurse should instruct: B) Wearing a facemask in cold weather to prevent vasoconstriction; C) Taking nitroglycerin prophylactically to improve coronary blood flow; F) Discontinuing tobacco to reduce vasoconstriction. Isometric exercises, morning exertion, and daily laxatives are not recommended as they may increase cardiac workload or cause other issues.
The client is discovered to have a popliteal aneurysm. Because of the aneurysm, the nurse should closely monitor the client for which associated problem?
- A. Thoracic outlet syndrome
- B. Ischemia in the lower limb
- C. Pulmonary embolism
- D. Raynaud’s phenomenon
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A popliteal aneurysm (located in the space behind the knee) may cause ischemia in the leg distal to the aneurysm due to thrombus forming inside the aneurysm and potential emboli. Other options are unrelated to popliteal aneurysms.
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