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.
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The nurse is assessing the client who underwent repair of an aortic aneurysm with graft placement 30 minutes ago. The nurse is unable to palpate the posterior tibial pulse of one leg that was palpable 15 minutes earlier. What should be the nurse’s priority?
- A. Recheck the pulse in 5 minutes.
- B. Reposition the affected leg.
- C. Notify the surgeon of the finding.
- D. Document that the pulse is absent.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The nurse should notify the surgeon immediately to reassess the client. The loss of the pulse could signify graft occlusion or embolization. Rechecking, repositioning, or documenting delays critical intervention.
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 client’s BP is being taken at a screening clinic. Which client statement to the nurse demonstrates awareness of having a risk factor for hypertension?
- A. “My doctor told me my body mass index is 23 and my blood pressure is 118/70.”
- B. “I usually have a glass of wine to unwind when I come home from work.”
- C. “I plan to get my blood pressure checked more often, as I am African American.”
- D. “I have colds during the winter, so I plan to get the influenza vaccine every year.”
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Being African American is a known risk factor for hypertension. Starting to have the BP taken more often demonstrates awareness of having a risk factor for hypertension. A BMI of 23 is normal, excessive alcohol intake increases risk but one glass is not excessive, and colds or flu vaccines do not directly relate to hypertension risk.
The nurse who is beginning a shift on a cardiac step-down unit receives shift report for four clients. Prioritize the order, from most urgent to least urgent, that the nurse should assess the clients.
- A. The 56-year-old client who was admitted 1 day ago with chest pain receiving intravenous (IV) heparin and has a partial thromboplastin time (PTT) due back in 30 minutes
- B. The 62-year-old client with end-stage cardiomyopathy, blood pressure (BP) of 78/50 mm Hg, 20 mL/hr urine output, and a “Do Not Resuscitate” order; whose family has just arrived
- C. The 72-year-old client who was transferred 2 hours ago from the intensive care unit (ICU) following a coronary artery bypass graft and has new-onset atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response
- D. The 38-year-old postoperative client who had an aortic valve replacement 2 days ago, BP 114/72 mm Hg, heart rate (HR) 100 beats/min, respiratory rate (RR) 28 breaths/min, and temperature 101.2°F (38.4°C)
Correct Answer: C;D;A;B
Rationale: The nurse should assess: C) Atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response is life-threatening; D) Elevated temperature and vital signs suggest infection; A) Heparin adjustment is pending but less urgent; B) End-stage cardiomyopathy with DNR is stable and family support is secondary.