The client with a left anterior descending (LAD) 90% blockage has crushing chest pain that is unrelieved by taking sublingual nitroglycerin. Which ECG finding is most concerning and should alert the nurse to immediately notify the HCP?
- A. Q waves
- B. Flipped T waves
- C. Peaked T waves
- D. ST segment elevation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should be most concerned about ST elevation because it indicates an evolving MI. Q waves suggest a previous MI, flipped T waves indicate ischemia, and peaked T waves may indicate hyperkalemia, but ST elevation is the most acute and critical finding.
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The nurse is caring for the client who had a cardiac valve replacement. To decrease the risk of DVT and PE, which interventions should the nurse plan to include? Select all that apply.
- A. Apply a pneumatic compression device.
- B. Administer a heparin infusion intravenously.
- C. Encourage coughing and deep breathing hourly.
- D. Teach about performing isometric leg exercises.
- E. Avoid the use of graded compression elastic stockings.
Correct Answer: A;D
Rationale: The nurse should include: A) Pneumatic compression devices to mimic walking pressures; D) Isometric exercises to compress vessels and reduce DVT risk. Heparin is typically subcutaneous, coughing/deep breathing prevents pulmonary issues, and compression stockings are beneficial unless PAD is present.
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.
Upon assessing the client who has distal foot pain due to vascular insufficiency, the nurse notes the wound illustrated. When reviewing the client’s medical record, which notation is the nurse likely to find?
- A. Venous ulcer on left foot
- B. Arterial ulcer on right foot
- C. Diabetic ulcer on left foot
- D. Stress ulcer on right foot
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should find a notation of an arterial ulcer on the right foot. Arterial ulcers typically occur on the feet; they are deep, and the ulcer bed is pale with even, defined edges and limited granulation tissue. Venous ulcers are at the ankle, diabetic ulcers are plantar, and stress ulcers are gastric.
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 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.
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