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.
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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.
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 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 calls for the nurse after experiencing sharp chest pains that radiate to the left shoulder. All of the following interventions were prescribed on admission for treating chest pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. STAT 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)
- B. Oxygen 4 liters by nasal cannula
- C. Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingual
- D. Morphine sulfate 2-4 mg IV prn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen should be available in the room and should be initiated first to enhance oxygen flow to the myocardium. ECG, nitroglycerin, and morphine are important but secondary to improving oxygenation in acute chest pain.
After receiving normal CXR results of the client who had cardiac surgery, the nurse proceeds to remove the client’s chest tubes as prescribed. Which intervention should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Auscultate the client’s lung sounds
- B. Administer 2 mg morphine sulfate intravenously
- C. Turn off the suction to the chest drainage system
- D. Prepare the dressing supplies at the client’s bedside
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Because the peak action of morphine sulfate is 10 to 15 minutes, this should be administered first to manage pain during chest tube removal. Auscultation, turning off suction, and preparing supplies are secondary.