Nokea
The client is admitted to the hospital following a motor vehicle accident and has sustained a closed chest wound. Which assessment finding is consistent with a flail chest?
- A. Biot's respirations
- B. Sucking sounds during respirations
- C. Paradoxical chest wall movement
- D. Hypotension and bradycardia
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct assessment finding consistent with a flail chest is paradoxical chest wall movement. This occurs when a segment of the chest wall moves in the opposite direction to the rest of the chest during respiration. Biot's respirations (Choice A) are a pattern of breathing characterized by groups of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea. Sucking sounds during respirations (Choice B) may indicate air entering or leaving the chest cavity through a wound. Hypotension and bradycardia (Choice D) may be present due to other factors such as shock, but they are not specific to a flail chest.
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The nurse is caring for a client with decreased cardiac output secondary to heart failure with fluid volume overload. The effects of diminished renal perfusion will have which physiologic response?
- A. Diuresis
- B. Increased fluid retention
- C. Elevated bicarbonate level
- D. Paroxysmal idiopathic narcosis
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When there is diminished renal perfusion due to decreased cardiac output, the kidneys receive less blood flow. This leads to a decrease in urine output and an increase in fluid retention, as the kidneys are not able to effectively filter and excrete excess fluid. Elevated bicarbonate level and paroxysmal idiopathic narcosis are not typically associated with diminished renal perfusion in heart failure. Therefore, the correct answer is 'Increased fluid retention.'
The nurse is caring for a client admitted with Class III/IV Pulmonary Hypertension. The nurse explains to the client that Lanoxin is being administered to the client in order to:
- A. Manage peripheral edema
- B. Improve right ventricular function
- C. Increase pulmonary pressure
- D. Constrict the pulmonary vessels
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is to improve right ventricular function. Lanoxin, also known as digoxin, is a cardiac glycoside that works by slowing the heart rate and increasing myocardial contractility, especially in the ventricles. This action helps improve the efficiency of the heart's pumping function, particularly the right ventricle in conditions like pulmonary hypertension. Choice A, managing peripheral edema, is not directly related to Lanoxin's mechanism of action. Choice C, increasing pulmonary pressure, is incorrect as Lanoxin is not used to increase pressure in the pulmonary circulation. Choice D, constricting the pulmonary vessels, is incorrect as Lanoxin does not cause vasoconstriction in the pulmonary vessels but rather acts on the heart's contractility.
A patient has been diagnosed with fibromyalgia and COPD. Which of the following tasks should the nurse delegate to a nursing assistant?
- A. Transferring the patient to the shower.
- B. Ambulating the patient for the first time.
- C. Taking the patient's breath sounds.
- D. Educating the patient on monitoring fatigue.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is to delegate the task of transferring the patient to the shower to a nursing assistant. Nursing assistants are trained to assist with transfers safely, making this task appropriate for delegation. Ambulating the patient for the first time involves assessing the patient's mobility and tolerance, which requires more assessment and monitoring by a nurse, especially in a patient with fibromyalgia and COPD. Taking the patient's breath sounds involves assessing the patient's respiratory status, which is a nursing responsibility due to the need for clinical judgment. Educating the patient on monitoring fatigue involves providing vital information and should be done by the nurse to ensure comprehensive understanding and tailored recommendations.
A client complaining of chest pain is prescribed an intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin (Nitro-Bid). After the infusion is initiated, the occurrence of which symptom warrants the nurse discontinuing an intravenous infusion of nitroglycerin?
- A. Frontal headache
- B. Orthostatic hypotension
- C. Decrease in intensity of chest pain
- D. Cool clammy skin
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is 'Cool clammy skin.' This assessment finding indicates decreased cardiac output that could result from excessive vasodilation. Cool clammy skin is a sign of poor perfusion, suggesting that the blood pressure might be dropping too low. Discontinuing the nitroglycerin infusion is crucial to prevent further complications.
Choice A, 'Frontal headache,' is a common side effect of nitroglycerin but not a reason to discontinue the infusion unless severe or persistent. Choice B, 'Orthostatic hypotension,' may occur as a side effect of nitroglycerin but does not necessarily warrant discontinuation unless severe. Choice C, 'Decrease in intensity of chest pain,' is actually an expected therapeutic response to nitroglycerin and indicates improved myocardial perfusion, so it is not a reason to stop the infusion.
A client is experiencing chest pain. Which statement made by the client indicates angina rather than a myocardial infarction?
- A. "I became dizzy when I stood up."?
- B. "I was nauseated and began vomiting."?
- C. "The pain started in my chest and stopped after I sat down."?
- D. "The pain began with a migraine and progressed to numbness in my left arm."?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is: '"The pain started in my chest and stopped after I sat down."? This statement suggests angina rather than a myocardial infarction because angina is typically triggered by exertion or stress and relieved by rest. Nausea and vomiting (Choice B) are more commonly associated with a myocardial infarction. Choices A and D are not typical symptoms of either angina or myocardial infarction.