Nokea
The student nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. Diuretics have been prescribed. What method might be used with a debilitated client to help the nurse evaluate the client's response to diuretics?
- A. Using mechanical ventilation
- B. Using a urinary catheter
- C. Using a pulmonary artery catheter
- D. Using a biventricular pacemaker
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: To evaluate response to diuretics, a urinary catheter is used. Mechanical ventilation helps maintain a normal breathing pattern. A pulmonary artery catheter helps estimate cardiac output. A biventricular pacemaker is used to sustain life.
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A client has a myocardial infarction in the left ventricle and develops crackles bilaterally; 3-pillow orthopnea; an S3 heart sound; and a cough with pink, frothy sputum. The nurse obtains a pulse oximetry reading of 88%. What do these signs and symptoms indicate for this client?
- A. The development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- B. The development of left-sided heart failure
- C. The development of right-sided heart failure
- D. The development of cor pulmonale
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: When the left ventricle fails, the heart muscle cannot contract forcefully enough to expel blood into the systemic circulation. Blood subsequently becomes congested in the left ventricle, left atrium, and finally the pulmonary vasculature. Symptoms of/left-sided failure include fatigue; paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea; orthopnea; hypoxia; crackles; cyanosis; S3 heart sound; cough with pink, frothy sputum; and elevated pulmonary capillary wedge pressure. COPD develops over many years and does not develop after a myocardial infarction. The development of right-sided heart failure would generally occur after a right ventricle myocardial infarction or after the development of left-sided heart failure. Cor pulmonale is a condition in which the heart is affected secondarily by lung damage.
A client with heart failure reports not having had a bowel movement in 2 days. Why would it be important for the nurse to obtain a prescription for a stool softener?
- A. Straining engages the Valsalva maneuver, which can cause dangerous effects.
- B. The client should not develop hemorrhoids.
- C. The client can develop a rectal fissure, which will increase pain levels.
- D. The client should have a bowel movement every day to avoid development of an intestinal obstruction.
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Avoid activities that engage the Valsalva maneuver, such as straining with bowel elimination or using the arms to pull and reposition oneself. The Valsalva maneuver increases intrathoracic pressure, reduces right atrial filling, triggers tachycardia, and increases blood pressure. The client's discomfort would be increased if hemorrhoids or a rectal fissure developed but would not engage the Valsalva maneuver. It is not necessary for the client to have a bowel movement on a daily basis.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with heart failure preparing to leave the following day. What type of diet should the nurse request the dietitian to discuss with the client?
- A. Low-fat diet
- B. Low-potassium diet
- C. Low-cholesterol diet
- D. Low-sodium diet
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Medical management of both left-sided and right-sided heart failure is directed at reducing the heart's workload and improving cardiac output primarily through dietary modifications, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes. A low-sodium diet is prescribed, and fluids may be restricted. Because the client will be on a diuretic such as Lasix, he may become potassium depleted and would need potassium in the diet. A low-cholesterol and low-fat diet may be prescribed but are not specific to the heart failure.
The nurse is obtaining data on an older adult client. What finding may indicate to the nurse the early symptom of heart failure?
- A. Decreased urinary output
- B. Dyspnea on exertion
- C. Hypotension
- D. Tachycardia
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Left-sided heart failure produces hypoxemia as a result of reduced cardiac output of arterial blood and respiratory symptoms. Many clients notice unusual fatigue with activity. Some find exertional dyspnea to be the first symptom. An increase in urinary output may be seen later as fluid accumulates. Hypotension would be a later sign of decompensating heart failure as well as tachycardia.
A client is brought to the emergency department via rescue squad with suspicion of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. What complication(s) should the nurse monitor for? Select all that apply.
- A. Nausea and vomiting
- B. Pulmonary embolism
- C. Cardiac arrhythmias
- D. Respiratory arrest
- E. Cardiac arrest
Correct Answer: C,D,E
Rationale: Pulmonary edema is fluid accumulation in the lungs, which interferes with gas exchange in the alveoli. It represents an acute emergency and is a frequent complication of left-sided heart failure. Cardiac arrhythmias and cardiac or respiratory arrest are associated complications. Nausea and vomiting are not complications but are symptoms of many disorders. The client is not at increased risk for the development of pulmonary embolism with pulmonary edema.