Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is assessing the client. At which area should the nurse place the stethoscope to best auscultate the client’s murmur associated with mitral regurgitation?
- A. Line A
- B. Line B
- C. Line C
- D. Line D
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mitral regurgitation is heard at the location of the mitral valve (line D) and should be auscultated with the bell of the stethoscope at the fifth intercostal space, left midclavicular line. The bell is used to auscultate low-pitched sounds. Lines A, B, and C correspond to aortic, pulmonic, and tricuspid valves, respectively.
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 who underwent repair of an aortic aneurysm with graft placement 30 minutes ago. The nurse is unable to palpate the posterior tibial pulse of one leg that was palpable 15 minutes earlier. What should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Recheck the pulse in 5 minutes.
- B. Reposition the affected leg.
- C. Notify the surgeon of the finding.
- D. Document that the pulse is absent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should notify the surgeon immediately to reassess the client. The loss of the pulse could signify graft occlusion or embolization. Rechecking, repositioning, or documenting delays critical intervention.
The nurse observes sinus tachycardia with new-onset ST segment elevation on the ECG monitor of the client reporting chest pain. Which should be the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Draw blood for cardiac enzymes STAT
- B. Call the cardiac catheterization laboratory
- C. Apply 1 inch of nitroglycerin paste topically
- D. Apply 4 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse’s priority intervention should be to increase oxygen to the heart muscle. Applying 4 liters of oxygen via nasal cannula addresses the immediate need to improve myocardial oxygenation in an evolving MI indicated by ST elevation. Cardiac enzymes, catheterization, and nitroglycerin are secondary actions.
The nurse is caring for the client immediately following insertion of a permanent pacemaker via the right subclavian vein approach. Which intervention should the nurse include in the client’s plan of care to best prevent pacemaker lead dislodgement?
- A. Inspect the incision for approximation and bleeding
- B. Prevent the right arm from going above shoulder level
- C. Assist the client with using a walker when out of bed
- D. Request a STAT chest x-ray upon return from the procedure
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Limiting arm and shoulder activity initially and up to 24 hours after the pacing leads are implanted helps prevent lead dislodgement. Often an arm sling is used as a reminder to the client to limit arm activity. Inspecting the incision, using a walker, and chest x-ray do not directly prevent lead dislodgement.