The nurse assessing the client with pericardial effusion at 1600 notes the apical pulse is 72 and the BP is 138/94. At 1800, the client has neck vein distention, the apical pulse is 70, and the BP is 106/94. Which action would the nurse implement first?
- A. Stay with the client and use a calm voice.
- B. Notify the health-care provider immediately.
- C. Place the client left lateral recumbent.
- D. Administer morphine intravenous push slowly.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: JVD and hypotension (BP drop to 106/94) suggest cardiac tamponade; notifying the HCP (B) is urgent. Staying calm (A), lateral position (C), and morphine (D) are secondary.
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Which symptom would the nurse expect to observe if the client is having an allergic reaction to streptokinase (Streptase)?
- A. Urticaria
- B. Anuria
- C. Hemoptysis
- D. Dyspepsia
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Urticaria (hives) is a common sign of an allergic reaction to streptokinase, a thrombolytic agent.
The telemetry nurse notes a peaked T wave for the client diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Which laboratory data should the nurse assess?
- A. CK-MB.
- B. Troponin.
- C. BNP.
- D. Potassium.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Peaked T waves indicate hyperkalemia; assessing potassium (D) is critical in CHF patients on diuretics. CK-MB (A) and troponin (B) are for MI, BNP (C) for heart failure severity.
The client is admitted to the telemetry unit diagnosed with acute exacerbation of congestive heart failure (CHF). Which signs/symptoms would the nurse expect to find when assessing this client?
- A. Apical pulse rate of 110 and 4+ pitting edema of feet.
- B. Thick white sputum and crackles that clear with cough.
- C. The client sleeping with no pillow and eupnea.
- D. Radial pulse rate of 90 and CRT less than three (3) seconds.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: CHF exacerbation causes fluid overload, leading to tachycardia (apical pulse 110) and severe edema (4+ pitting, A). Thick sputum/crackles (B) suggest pneumonia, sleeping flat with eupnea (C) is unlikely, and normal CRT (D) doesn’t reflect CHF severity.
The client who is one (1) day postoperative coronary artery bypass surgery is exhibiting sinus tachycardia. Which intervention should the nurse implement?
- A. Assess the apical heart rate for one (1) full minute.
- B. Notify the client's cardiac surgeon.
- C. Prepare the client for synchronized cardioversion.
- D. Determine if the client is having pain.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Sinus tachycardia post-CABG is often due to pain (D), which should be assessed first. Heart rate (A), notifying (B), and cardioversion (C) follow if needed.
Using the following cardiac structures, trace the normal stress in which blood circulates on the left side of the heart. Use all the options.
- A. Aorta
- B. Left ventricle
- C. Pulmonary veins
- D. Left atrium
- E. Mitral valve (correct sequence: 3, 4, 5, 2, 1)
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Blood flows: pulmonary veins → left atrium → mitral valve → left ventricle → aorta.
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