The nurse is caring for an adult patient who had symptoms of unstable angina upon admission to the hospital. What nursing diagnosis underlies the discomfort associated with angina?
- A. Ineffective breathing pattern related to decreased cardiac output
- B. Anxiety related to fear of death
- C. Ineffective cardiopulmonary tissue perfusion related to coronary artery disease (CAD)
- D. Impaired skin integrity related to CAD
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Ineffective cardiopulmonary tissue perfusion directly results in the symptoms of discomfort associated with angina. Anxiety and ineffective breathing may result from angina chest pain, but they are not the causes. Skin integrity is not impaired by the effects of angina.
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A patient is recovering in the hospital from cardiac surgery. The nurse has identified the diagnosis of risk for ineffective airway clearance related to pulmonary secretions. What intervention best addresses this risk?
- A. Administration of bronchodilators by nebulizer
- B. Administration of inhaled corticosteroids by metered dose inhaler (MDI)
- C. Patients consistent performance of deep breathing and coughing exercises
- D. Patients active participation in the cardiac rehabilitation program
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Clearance of pulmonary secretions is accomplished by frequent repositioning of the patient, suctioning, and chest physical therapy, as well as educating and encouraging the patient to breathe deeply and cough. Medications are not normally used to achieve this goal. Rehabilitation is important, but will not necessarily aid the mobilization of respiratory secretions.
A 48-year-old man presents to the ED complaining of severe substernal chest pain radiating down his left arm. He is admitted to the coronary care unit (CCU) with a diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI). What nursing assessment activity is a priority on admission to the CCU?
- A. Begin ECG monitoring
- B. Obtain information about family history of heart disease
- C. Auscultate lung fields
- D. Determine if the patient smokes
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The 12-lead ECG provides information that assists in ruling out or diagnosing an acute MI. It should be obtained within 10 minutes from the time a patient reports pain or arrives in the ED. By monitoring serial ECG changes over time, the location, evolution, and resolution of an MI can be identified and monitored; life-threatening arrhythmias are the leading cause of death in the first hours after an MI. Obtaining information about family history of heart disease and whether the patient smokes are not immediate priorities in the acute phase of MI. Data may be obtained from family members later. Lung fields are auscultated after oxygenation and pain control needs are met.
When assessing a patient diagnosed with angina pectoris it is most important for the nurse to gather what information?
- A. The patients activities limitations and level of consciousness after the attacks
- B. The patients symptoms and the activities that precipitate attacks
- C. The patients understanding of the pathology of angina
- D. The patients coping strategies surrounding the attacks
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The nurse must gather information about the patients symptoms and activities, especially those that precede and precipitate attacks of angina pectoris. The patients coping, understanding of the disease, and status following attacks are all important to know, but causative factors are a primary focus of the assessment interview.
A patient with angina has been prescribed nitroglycerin. Before administering the drug, the nurse should inform the patient about what potential adverse effects?
- A. Nervousness or paresthesia
- B. Throbbing headache or dizziness
- C. Drowsiness or blurred vision
- D. Tinnitus or diplopia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Headache and dizziness commonly occur when nitroglycerin is taken at the beginning of therapy. Nervousness, paresthesia, drowsiness, blurred vision, tinnitus, and diplopia do not typically occur as a result of nitroglycerin therapy.
A patient who is postoperative day 1 following a CABG has produced 20 mL of urine in the past 3 hours and the nurse has confirmed the patency of the urinary catheter. What is the nurses most appropriate action?
- A. Document the patients low urine output and monitor closely for the next several hours
- B. Contact the dietitian and suggest the need for increased oral fluid intake
- C. Contact the patients physician and suggest assessment of fluid balance and renal function
- D. Increase the infusion rate of the patients IV fluid to prompt an increase in renal function
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Nursing management includes accurate measurement of urine output. An output of less than 1 mL/kg/h may indicate hypovolemia or renal insufficiency. Prompt referral is necessary. IV fluid replacement may be indicated, but is beyond the independent scope of the dietitian or nurse.
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