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The critical care nurse is caring for a patient who is in cardiogenic shock. What assessments must the nurse perform on this patient? Select all that apply.
- A. Platelet level
- B. Fluid status
- C. Cardiac rhythm
- D. Action of medications
- E. Sputum volume
Correct Answer: B,C,D
Rationale: The critical care nurse must carefully assess the patient in cardiogenic shock, observe the cardiac rhythm, monitor hemodynamic parameters, monitor fluid status, and adjust medications and therapies based on the assessment data. Platelet levels and sputum production are not major assessment parameters in a patient who is experiencing cardiogenic shock.
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The nurse is performing an initial assessment of a client diagnosed with HF. The nurse also assesses the patients sensorium and LOC. Why is the assessment of the patients sensorium and LOC important in patients with HF?
- A. HF ultimately affects oxygen transportation to the brain
- B. Patients with HF are susceptible to overstimulation of the sympathetic nervous system
- C. Decreased LOC causes an exacerbation of the signs and symptoms of HF
- D. The most significant adverse effect of medications used for HF treatment is altered LOC
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: As the volume of blood ejected by the heart decreases, so does the amount of oxygen transported to the brain. Sympathetic stimulation is not a primary concern in patients with HF, although it is a possibility. HF affects LOC but the reverse is not usually true. Medications used to treat HF carry many adverse effects, but the most common and significant effects are cardiovascular.
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation has been initiated on a patient who was found unresponsive. When performing chest compressions, the nurse should do which of the following?
- A. Perform at least 100 chest compressions per minute
- B. Pause to allow a colleague to provide a breath every 10 compressions
- C. Pause chest compressions to allow for vital signs monitoring every 4 to 5 minutes
- D. Perform high-quality chest compressions as rapidly as possible
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: During CPR, the chest is compressed 2 inches at a rate of at least 100 compressions per minute. This rate is the resuscitators goal; the aim is not to give compressions as rapidly as possible. Compressions are not stopped after 10 compressions to allow for a breath or for full vital signs monitoring.
An older adult patient with HF is being discharged home on an ACE inhibitor and a loop diuretic. The patients most recent vital signs prior to discharge include oxygen saturation of 93% on room air, heart rate of 81 beats per minute, and blood pressure of 94/59 mm Hg. When planning this patients subsequent care, what nursing diagnosis should be identified?
- A. Risk for ineffective tissue perfusion related to dysrhythmia
- B. Risk for fluid volume excess related to medication regimen
- C. Risk for ineffective breathing pattern related to hypoxia
- D. Risk for falls related to hypotension
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The combination of low BP, diuretic use, and ACE inhibitor use constitute a risk for falls. There is no evidence, or heightened risk, of dysrhythmia. The patients medications create a risk for fluid deficit, not fluid excess. Hypoxia is a risk for all patients with HF, but this is not in evidence for this patient at this time.
The nurse is performing a physical assessment on a patient suspected of having HF. The presence of what sound would signal the possibility of impending HF?
- A. An S3 heart sound
- B. Pleural friction rub
- C. Faint breath sounds
- D. A heart murmur
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The heart is auscultated for an S3 heart sound, a sign that the heart is beginning to fail and that increased blood volume fills the ventricle with each beat. HF does not normally cause a pleural friction rub or murmurs. Changes in breath sounds occur, such as the emergence of crackles or wheezes, but faint breath sounds are less characteristic of HF.
The nurse is providing patient education prior to a patients discharge home after treatment for HF. The nurse gives the patient a home care checklist as part of the discharge teaching. What should be included on this checklist?
- A. Know how to recognize and prevent orthostatic hypotension
- B. Weigh yourself weekly at a consistent time of day
- C. Measure everything you eat and drink until otherwise instructed
- D. Limit physical activity to only those tasks that are absolutely necessary
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Patients with HF should be aware of the risks of orthostatic hypotension. Weight should be measured daily; detailed documentation of all forms of intake is not usually required. Activity should be gradually increased within the parameters of safety and comfort.