The nurse is caring for multiple clients. Which client should the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for developing a DVT?
- A. The client with an area of slight inflammation at the peripheral IV site with a PT of 25 seconds, INR of 2.5.
- B. The client postoperative hip arthroplasty who has venous insufficiency and is immobile; platelet count = 550,000/mm3.
- C. The client with a history of DVT admitted with chest pain and has a continuous intravenous heparin drip; PTT of 55 seconds.
- D. The client with dependent rubor, pallor upon lower-extremity elevation, and absent peripheral pulses; platelet count of 350,000/mm3.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Blood stasis (immobility), endothelial injury (postoperative client), and hypercoagulability (platelet count increased) suggest Virchow’s triad, which is associated with an increased risk of DVT. Other clients have prolonged coagulation times or arterial issues, reducing DVT risk.
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The nurse, assessing the client hospitalized following an MI, obtains these VS: BP 78/38 mm Hg, HR 128, RR 32. The nurse notifies the HCP concerned that the client may be experiencing which most life-threatening complication?
- A. Pulmonary embolism
- B. Cardiac tamponade
- C. Cardiomyopathy
- D. Cardiogenic shock
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The symptoms are indicative of cardiogenic shock (decreased cardiac output leading to inadequate tissue perfusion and initiation of the shock syndrome). Pulmonary embolism and tamponade could cause shock but are less likely post-MI, and cardiomyopathy is not an acute complication.
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.
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 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 giving discharge teaching to the client following aortic valve replacement surgery with a synthetic valve. The nurse evaluates that the client understands the teaching when the client states plans to take which action? Select all that apply.
- A. Use a soft toothbrush for dental hygiene.
- B. Floss teeth daily to prevent plaque.
- C. Wear loose-fitting T-shirts or tops.
- D. Use an electric razor for shaving.
- E. Consume foods high in vitamin K.
Correct Answer: A;C;D
Rationale: The client understands when stating: A) Using a soft toothbrush to reduce bleeding risk on anticoagulants; C) Wearing loose-fitting clothing to avoid incision friction; D) Using an electric razor to prevent cuts. Flossing (B) increases bleeding and endocarditis risk, and high vitamin K (E) antagonizes anticoagulants.
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