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The nurse increases activity for the client with an admitting diagnosis of ACS. Which client finding best supports that the client is not tolerating the activity?
- A. Pulse rate increased by 15 beats per minute during activity
- B. BP 130/86 mm Hg before activity; 108/66 mm Hg during activity
- C. Increased dyspnea and diaphoresis relieved when sitting in a chair
- D. A mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 80 following activity
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: A drop in BP of 20 mm Hg from the baseline indicates that the client’s heart is unable to adapt to the increased energy and oxygen demands of the activity. The client is not tolerating the activity; the length of time or the intensity should be reduced. A modest pulse increase, relieved symptoms, and normal MAP are less concerning.
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The nurse completes teaching the client about CAD and self-care at home. The nurse determines that teaching is effective when the client makes which statements? Select all that apply.
- A. “If I have chest pain, I should contact my physician immediately.”
- B. “I should carry my nitroglycerin in my front pants pocket so it is handy.”
- C. “If I have chest pain, I stop activity and chew a nitroglycerin tablet.”
- D. “I should always take three nitroglycerin tablets, 5 minutes apart.”
- E. “I plan to avoid being around people when they are smoking.”
- F. “I plan on walking on most days of the week for at least 30 minutes.”
Correct Answer: E;F
Rationale: Teaching is effective when the client states: E) Avoiding passive smoke to prevent vasoconstriction; F) Walking 30 minutes most days as recommended by the American Heart Association. Contacting the physician immediately is incorrect (call 911), pants pockets are not ideal for nitroglycerin storage, nitroglycerin is taken sublingually not chewed, and three tablets are not always needed.
While the nurse is assessing the client, the client says, “I had an endovascular repair of an AAA that was found 1 month ago during a routine physical.” The nurse’s assessment of the client should be based on understanding that this procedure involves which action?
- A. Excision to remove the aneurysm and place a graft percutaneously
- B. An angioplasty with placement of a stent around the outside of the aorta
- C. Placement of a filter within the aneurysm to block clots from becoming emboli
- D. Placement of a stent graft inside the aorta that excludes the aneurysm from circulation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The endovascular repair consists of placement of the endovascular stent graft inside the aorta, extending above and below the aneurysmal area to seal it off from the circulation. Excision, external stents, and filters are not involved.
The nurse assesses the client returning from a coronary angiogram in which the femoral artery approach was used. The client’s baseline BP during the procedure was 130/72 mm Hg, and the cardiac rhythm was sinus rhythm. Which finding should alert the nurse to a potential complication?
- A. BP 154/78 mm Hg
- B. Pedal pulses palpable at +1
- C. Left groin soft to palpation with 1 cm ecchymotic area
- D. Apical pulse 132 beats per minute (bpm) with an irregular-irregular rhythm
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: An apical pulse of 132 bpm with an irregular-irregular rhythm could indicate atrial fibrillation or a rhythm with premature beats. Dysrhythmias are a complication that can occur following coronary angiogram. Slight BP elevation, +1 pulses, and minor ecchymosis are less concerning without additional context.
The client states to the clinic nurse, “I had pain in the left calf for a few days earlier in the week, but I am pain free now.” The nurse’s assessment findings include: dorsalis pedis pulses palpable, no pain upon dorsiflexion bilaterally, a few visible varicose veins in each leg, and slight swelling in only the left leg. Which is the nurse’s best action?
- A. Ask if the client has been walking more lately.
- B. Inform the HCP of the assessment findings.
- C. Ask if the client has considered taking a baby aspirin daily.
- D. Explain to the client that there are no significant findings.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse should inform the HCP about the assessment findings. A possible DVT is taken seriously because it can lead to PE. Unilateral swelling of one leg is a classic symptom of DVT. Additional questions, aspirin advice, or dismissing findings are inappropriate without further evaluation.
The nurse is caring for the client following a coronary artery bypass graft. Which assessment finding in the immediate postoperative period should be most concerning to the nurse?
- A. Copious chest tube output; now none for 1 hour
- B. Current core temperature of 101.3°F (38.5°C)
- C. pH 7.32; Paco2 48; HCO3 28; Pao2 80
- D. Urine output 160 mL in the last 4 hours
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: A copiously draining chest tube that is no longer draining indicates an obstruction. It should be most concerning because there is an increased risk for cardiac tamponade or pleural effusion. Slight fever, compensated respiratory acidosis, and adequate urine output are less urgent.