The nurse is admitting the client with a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Which intervention should the nurse plan to include?
- A. Administering antihypertensive medications
- B. Palpating the abdomen to determine the aneurysm’s size
- C. Inserting a nasogastric tube set to moderate suction
- D. Teaching about a diet high in potassium and low in sodium
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The nurse should include administering antihypertensive medications to the client with a thoracic aortic aneurysm; controlling HR and BP is important to decrease the risk of aneurysm rupture. Palpation is contraindicated, and NG tubes or specific diets are not indicated.
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The client with class II HF according to the New York Heart Association Functional Classification has been taught about the initial treatment plan for this disease. The nurse determines that the client needs additional teaching if the client states that the treatment plan includes which component?
- A. Diuretics
- B. A low-sodium diet
- C. Home oxygen therapy
- D. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In class II HF, normal physical activity results in fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, or anginal pain, but symptoms are absent at rest. Home oxygen therapy is unnecessary unless there are other comorbid conditions. Diuretics, low-sodium diet, and ACE inhibitors are standard treatments.
The nurse who is beginning a shift on a cardiac step-down unit receives shift report for four clients. Prioritize the order, from most urgent to least urgent, that the nurse should assess the clients.
- A. The 56-year-old client who was admitted 1 day ago with chest pain receiving intravenous (IV) heparin and has a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) due back in 30 minutes
- B. The 62-year-old client with end-stage cardiomyopathy, blood pressure (BP) of 78/50 mm Hg, 20 mL/hr urine output, and a “Do Not Resuscitate” order; whose family has just arrived
- C. The 72-year-old client who was transferred 2 hours ago from the intensive care unit (ICU) following a coronary artery bypass graft and has new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
- D. The 38-year-old postoperative client who had an aortic valve replacement 2 days ago, BP 114/72 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) 100 beats/min, respiratory rate (RR) 28 breaths/min, and temperature 101.2°F (38.4°C)
Correct Answer: C;D;A;B
Rationale: The nurse should assess: C) Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is life-threatening; D) Elevated temperature and vital signs suggest infection; A) Heparin adjustment is pending but less urgent; B) End-stage cardiomyopathy with DNR is stable and family support is secondary.
The nurse is assessing the client with an anterior-lateral MI. The nurse should add decreased cardiac output to the client’s plan of care when which finding is noted?
- A. Pain radiates up left arm to neck
- B. Presence of an S4 heart sound
- C. Crackles auscultated in both lung bases
- D. Vesicular breath sounds over lung lobes
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: An anterior-lateral MI can produce left ventricular dysfunction and low cardiac output. With decreased cardiac output, blood accumulates in the heart and backs up into the pulmonary system, causing fluid to move into interstitial spaces and alveoli, resulting in crackles. Pain radiation, S4 sounds, and vesicular breath sounds do not directly indicate decreased cardiac output.
The nurse is admitting the client experiencing dyspnea from HF and COPD with high CO2 levels. Which interventions should the nurse plan? Select all that apply.
- A. Apply oxygen 6 liters per nasal cannula.
- B. Elevate the head of the bed 30 to 40 degrees.
- C. Weigh daily in the am. after the client voids.
- D. Teach client pursed-lip breathing techniques.
- E. Turn and reposition the client every 1 to 2 hours.
Correct Answer: B;C;D
Rationale: The nurse should plan: B) Elevating the head of the bed to promote lung expansion; C) Daily weights to assess fluid retention; D) Pursed-lip breathing to conserve energy and slow breathing. High oxygen flow (A) may depress hypoxic drive in COPD, and repositioning (E) is less specific to dyspnea management.
The nurse is discussing healthy lifestyle practices with the client who has chronic venous insufficiency. Which practices should be emphasized with this client? Select all that apply.
- A. Avoid eating an excess of dark green vegetables.
- B. Take rests and elevate the legs while sitting.
- C. Wear graduated compression stockings, removing them at night.
- D. Increase standing time and shift weight when upright.
- E. Sleep with legs elevated above the level of the heart.
Correct Answer: B;C;E
Rationale: The nurse should emphasize: B) Elevating legs when sitting to promote venous return; C) Wearing compression stockings to reduce edema; E) Sleeping with legs elevated to enhance venous return. Avoiding dark green vegetables is relevant only with anticoagulants, and prolonged standing should be avoided.