Nokea
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.
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The client, returning from a coronary catheterization in which the femoral artery approach was used, sneezes. Which should be the nurse’s priority intervention?
- A. Palpate pedal pulses
- B. Measure vital signs
- C. Assess for urticaria
- D. Check the insertion site
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Checking the insertion site is priority. Sneezing increases intra-abdominal pressure and increases the risk for clot disruption and bleeding from the femoral artery. Pedal pulses, vital signs, and urticaria are secondary concerns.
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 nurse plans teaching for a 20-year-old newly diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The client is on the college soccer team. Which information should be the nurse’s priority when teaching the client?
- A. Provide pamphlets on genetic testing to avoid passing on an inherited disease.
- B. Reinforce the need to continue exercise with soccer to strengthen the heart.
- C. Provide information about CPR to persons living with the client.
- D. Counsel on foods for consuming on a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Because sudden cardiac death is a large risk factor for those under 30 years of age, the nurse should provide information about having others living with the client trained in CPR as a preventative measure. Genetic testing, continued strenuous exercise, and diet are less immediate priorities.
The client newly diagnosed with HF has an ejection fraction of 20%. Which criteria should the nurse use to evaluate the client’s readiness for discharge to home? Select all that apply.
- A. There is a scale in the client’s home
- B. The client started ambulating 24 hours ago
- C. The client is receiving furosemide IV 20 mg bid
- D. A smoking cessation consult is scheduled for 2 days after discharge
- E. A home-care nurse is scheduled to see the client 3 days after discharge
Correct Answer: A;B;E
Rationale: The nurse should evaluate: A) A scale to monitor fluid status; B) Ambulation to confirm functional capability; E) Home-care nurse visit within 3 days for support. IV furosemide (C) should be oral before discharge, and smoking cessation (D) should start before discharge.
The client is prescribed to have an elastic bandage applied to the lower extremity to reduce edema. At which position on the client’s leg should the nurse start wrapping the elastic bandage?
- A. Location A
- B. Location B
- C. Location C
- D. Location D
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should begin to apply the bandage at the distal point and proceed proximally. By starting at this point, trapping fluid atop the foot is avoided. The purpose of the bandage is to apply compression evenly to the lower leg. Starting at the knee, calf, or ankle increases edema distally.