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.
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The cardiac monitor of the client diagnosed with Prinzmetal’s angina shows a prolonged PR interval of 0.32 seconds. Which prescribed medication should the nurse question administering to the client?
- A. Isosorbide mononitrate 20 mg oral daily
- B. Amlodipine 10 mg oral daily
- C. Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingual prn
- D. Atenolol 50 mg oral daily
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Atenolol (Tenormin), a beta blocker, blocks stimulation of beta1 (myocardial)-adrenergic receptors, causing a reduction in BP and HR. A side effect of the medication is a prolongation of the PR interval (normal PR interval is 0.12 to 0.20 second). Continued use of the drug can result in heart block. The nurse should question administering atenolol. Other medications do not prolong the PR interval.
The nurse is teaching the client newly diagnosed with chronic stable angina. Which instructions on measures to prevent future angina should the nurse incorporate? Select all that apply.
- A. Increase isometric arm exercises to build endurance.
- B. Wear a facemask when outdoors in cold weather.
- C. Take nitroglycerin before a stressful event even if pain free.
- D. Perform most exertional activities in the morning.
- E. Take a daily laxative to avoid straining with bowel movements.
- F. Discontinue use of all tobacco products if you use these.
Correct Answer: B;C;F
Rationale: The nurse should instruct: B) Wearing a facemask in cold weather to prevent vasoconstriction; C) Taking nitroglycerin prophylactically to improve coronary blood flow; F) Discontinuing tobacco to reduce vasoconstriction. Isometric exercises, morning exertion, and daily laxatives are not recommended as they may increase cardiac workload or cause other issues.
The client calls for the nurse after experiencing sharp chest pains that radiate to the left shoulder. All of the following interventions were prescribed on admission for treating chest pain. Which intervention should the nurse implement first?
- A. STAT 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG)
- B. Oxygen 4 liters by nasal cannula
- C. Nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingual
- D. Morphine sulfate 2-4 mg IV prn
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Oxygen should be available in the room and should be initiated first to enhance oxygen flow to the myocardium. ECG, nitroglycerin, and morphine are important but secondary to improving oxygenation in acute chest pain.
The clinic nurse is teaching the client at risk for developing arteriosclerosis. The nurse should teach the client that the dietary therapy to decrease homo-cysteine levels includes eating foods rich in which nutrient?
- A. Monosaturated fats
- B. B complex Vitamins
- C. Vitamin C
- D. Calcium
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Homocysteine interferes with the elasticity of the endothelial layer in blood vessels. Foods rich in B-complex vitamins, especially folic acid, have been found to lower serum homocysteine levels. Monosaturated fats, Vitamin C, and Calcium do not have a direct effect on homocysteine levels.
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.