Nokea
The client who had a synthetic valve replacement a year ago is hospitalized with unstable angina. IV heparin and nitroglycerin infusions were started, but then nitroglycerin was discontinued after the client’s pain resolved. The HCP prescribes to start oral warfarin 5 mg at 1900 hours. Which is the nurse’s best action?
- A. Administer the warfarin as prescribed
- B. Call the HCP to question starting warfarin
- C. Discontinue heparin and then give warfarin
- D. Hold warfarin until heparin is discontinued
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Both heparin and warfarin (Coumadin) are anticoagulants, but their actions are different. Oral warfarin requires 3 to 5 days to reach effective levels. It is usually begun while the client is still on heparin. Warfarin should be given as prescribed for a synthetic valve to prevent thromboembolism.
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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 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 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 admitting the client with a new diagnosis of persistent atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response. The client has been in atrial fibrillation for more than 2 days and has had no previous cardiac problems. Which initial interventions should the nurse anticipate? Select all that apply.
- A. Ablation of the AV node
- B. Immediate cardioversion
- C. Oxygen 2 liters per nasal cannula
- D. Heparin intravenous (IV) infusion
- E. Amiodarone IV infusion
- F. Diltiazem IV infusion
Correct Answer: C;D;E;F
Rationale: The nurse should anticipate: C) Oxygen to enhance tissue oxygenation due to decreased cardiac output; D) Heparin to prevent thromboembolism from atrial stasis; E) Amiodarone for pharmacological cardioversion; F) Diltiazem to slow ventricular response. Ablation and cardioversion are considered only if medications fail or after ruling out atrial clots.
The nurse reviews symptoms of acute graft occlusion with the client who has had a revascularization graft procedure of the lower extremity. Which symptom of acute arterial occlusion stated by the client indicates the need for further teaching?
- A. Severe pain
- B. Paresthesia
- C. Warm and red incisions
- D. Inability to move the foot
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Redness and warmth along the incision line are associated with inflammation or infection, not graft occlusion. Severe pain, paresthesia, and inability to move the foot are symptoms of acute arterial occlusion, indicating the client needs further teaching about incision symptoms.