The client, returning from a coronary catheterization in which the femoral artery approach was used, sneezes. Which should be the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Palpate pedal pulses
- B. Measure vital signs
- C. Assess for urticaria
- D. Check the insertion site
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking the insertion site is priority. Sneezing increases intra-abdominal pressure and increases the risk for clot disruption and bleeding from the femoral artery. Pedal pulses, vital signs, and urticaria are secondary concerns.
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The nurse assesses the client at a vascular clinic after being treated with pentoxifylline for 6 weeks. The nurse determines that pentoxifylline has been effective when noting that the client has which finding?
- A. A decrease in lower-extremity edema
- B. No symptoms of withdrawal after quitting smoking
- C. A venous ulcer on the ankle that has decreased in size
- D. The ability to walk a longer distance without claudication
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Pentoxifylline (Trental) is thought to act by improving capillary blood flow and is prescribed to decrease intermittent claudication. Effects are usually seen in 2 to 4 weeks. Edema, smoking withdrawal, and venous ulcers are not treated by pentoxifylline.
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 nurse is assessing the client following cardiac surgery. Which assessment findings should be of the greatest concern to the nurse?
- A. Jugular vein distention, muffled heart sounds, and BP 84/48
- B. Temperature 96.4°F (35.8°C), heart rate 58 bpm, and shivering
- C. Increased heart rate, audible S1 and S2, and pain rated at a 5
- D. Central venous pressure (CVP) 4 mm Hg, urine output 30 mL/hr, and sinus rhythm with a few PVCs
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should be most concerned with JVD, muffled heart sounds, and hypotension (Beck’s Triad). This is a life-threatening event suggesting cardiac tamponade. Other findings are expected post-surgery or less critical.
The client newly diagnosed with HF has an ejection fraction of 20%. Which criteria should the nurse use to evaluate the client’s readiness for discharge to home? Select all that apply.
- A. There is a scale in the client’s home
- B. The client started ambulating 24 hours ago
- C. The client is receiving furosemide IV 20 mg bid
- D. A smoking cessation consult is scheduled for 2 days after discharge
- E. A home-care nurse is scheduled to see the client 3 days after discharge
Correct Answer: A;B;E
Rationale: The nurse should evaluate: A) A scale to monitor fluid status; B) Ambulation to confirm functional capability; E) Home-care nurse visit within 3 days for support. IV furosemide (C) should be oral before discharge, and smoking cessation (D) should start before discharge.
The clinic nurse is teaching the client at risk for developing arteriosclerosis. The nurse should teach the client that the dietary therapy to decrease homo-cysteine levels includes eating foods rich in which nutrient?
- A. Monosaturated fats
- B. B complex Vitamins
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homocysteine interferes with the elasticity of the endothelial layer in blood vessels. Foods rich in B-complex vitamins, especially folic acid, have been found to lower serum homocysteine levels. Monosaturated fats, Vitamin C, and Calcium do not have a direct effect on homocysteine levels.