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.
You may also like to solve these questions
The nurse is taking the BP on multiple clients. Which reading warrants the nurse notifying the HCP because the client’s MAP is abnormal?
- A. 94/60 mm Hg
- B. 98/36 mm Hg
- C. 110/50 mm Hg
- D. 140/78 mm Hg
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) is calculated as (SBP + 2*DBP)/3. For 98/36 mm Hg: (98 + 2*36)/3 = (98 + 72)/3 = 170/3 ≈ 56.67 mm Hg, which is abnormally low (normal MAP is 70-100 mm Hg), indicating potential hypoperfusion. Other readings yield: A: (94 + 2*60)/3 ≈ 71.33 mm Hg, C: (110 + 2*50)/3 ≈ 70 mm Hg, D: (140 + 2*78)/3 ≈ 98.67 mm Hg, all within or closer to normal range.
The client with a left anterior descending (LAD) 90% blockage has crushing chest pain that is unrelieved by taking sublingual nitroglycerin. Which ECG finding is most concerning and should alert the nurse to immediately notify the HCP?
- A. Q waves
- B. Flipped T waves
- C. Peaked T waves
- D. ST segment elevation
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The nurse should be most concerned about ST elevation because it indicates an evolving MI. Q waves suggest a previous MI, flipped T waves indicate ischemia, and peaked T waves may indicate hyperkalemia, but ST elevation is the most acute and critical finding.
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 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 asks the nurse what can be done to alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins. Which response by the nurse is best?
- A. “Dangle your legs off the side of the bed as often as possible to alleviate the pain.”
- B. “There isn’t much you can do about the pain except have surgery to remove the veins.”
- C. “You should wear long pants to hide bulging veins; this will help your self-confidence.”
- D. “Wear elastic stockings to promote venous return; these will also help reduce discomfort.”
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The best response to alleviate pain and discomfort associated with varicose veins includes application of elastic stockings and elevating the lower extremities. These promote venous return. Dangling legs, surgery as the only option, or wearing long pants do not address the pain effectively.
Nokea