Chapter 35 Care of Patients With Cardiac Problems practice questions

The nurse discusses the importance of restricting sodium in the diet for a client with heart failure. Which statement made by the client indicates that the client needs further teaching? "I need to avoid eating hamburgers." "I must cut out bacon and canned foods." "I won't put the salt shaker on the table anymore." "I need to avoid lunchmeats but may cook my own turkey."

"I need to avoid eating hamburgers." **Further teaching about restricting sodium in the diet for a client with heart failure is needed when the client says, "I need to avoid eating hamburgers." Cutting out beef or hamburgers made at home is not necessary, but fast-food hamburgers are to be avoided owing to higher sodium content.Bacon, canned foods, lunchmeats, and processed foods are high in sodium, which promotes fluid retention, and must be avoided. The client correctly understands that adding salt to food must be avoided.

The nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client with heart failure, focusing on when to seek medical attention. Which statement by the client indicates a correct understanding of the teaching? "I will call the provider if I have a cough lasting 3 or more days." "I will report to the provider weight loss of 2 to 3 pounds (0.9 to 1.4 kg) in a day." "I will try walking for 1 hour each day." "I should expect occasional chest pain."

"I will call the provider if I have a cough lasting 3 or more days." **The client understands the discharge teaching about when to seek medical attention when the client says: "I will call the provider if I have a cough lasting 3 or more days." Cough, a symptom of heart failure, is indicative of intra-alveolar edema; it is important to notify the provider if this occurs.The client would call the provider for weight gain of 3 pounds (1.4 kg) in a week or 1-2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9 kg) overnight. The client would begin by walking 200 to 400 feet (61 to 123 meters) per day. Chest pain is indicative of myocardial ischemia and worsening of heart failure. The provider must be notified if this occurs.

The client, a college athlete who collapsed during soccer practice, has been diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. The client says, "This can't be. I am in great shape. I eat right and exercise." What is the nurse's best response? "How does this make you feel?" "This can be caused by taking performance-enhancing drugs." "This may be caused by a genetic trait." "Just imagine how bad it would be if you weren't in good shape."

"This may be caused by a genetic trait." **The nurse's best response is that this may be caused by a genetic trait. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is often transmitted as a single gene autosomal dominant trait.Exploring the client's feelings is important, but does not address the client's question. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is not caused by performance-enhancing drugs. Reminding the client that he or she is in good shape is not at all therapeutic and does not address the client's question.

After receiving change-of-shift report about these four clients, which client would the nurse assess first? A 46-year-old with aortic stenosis who takes digoxin (Lanoxin) and has new-onset frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) A 55-year-old admitted with pulmonary edema who received furosemide (Lasix) and whose current O2 saturation is 94% A 68-year-old with pericarditis who is reporting sharp, stabbing chest pain when taking deep breaths A 79-year-old admitted for possible rejection of a heart transplant who has sinus tachycardia, heart rate 104 beats/min

A 46-year-old with aortic stenosis who takes digoxin (Lanoxin) and has new-onset frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) **The nurse would first assess the 46-year-old with aortic stenosis on digoxin and now has new-onset frequent PVCs. The PVCs may be indicative of digoxin toxicity. Further assessment for clinical manifestations of digoxin toxicity must be done and the primary health care provider notified about the dysrhythmia.The 55-year-old is stable and can be assessed after the client with aortic stenosis. The 68-year-old may be assessed after the client with aortic stenosis. This type of pain is expected in pericarditis. Tachycardia is expected in the 79-year-old because rejection will cause signs of decreased cardiac output, including tachycardia. This client may be seen after the client with aortic stenosis.

The home health nurse visits a client with heart failure who has gained 5 pounds (2.3 kg) in the past 3 days. The client states, "I feel so tired and short of breath." Which action does the nurse take first? Assess the client for peripheral edema. Auscultate the client's posterior breath sounds. Notify the health care provider about the client's weight gain. Remind the client about dietary sodium restrictions.

Auscultate the client's posterior breath sounds. **The action the home care nurse takes first is to auscultate the heart failure client's posterior breath sounds. Because the client is at risk for pulmonary edema and hypoxemia, the breath sounds must be assessed.Assessment of edema may be delayed until after breath sounds are assessed. After a full assessment, the nurse must notify the health care provider. After physiologic stability is attained, then ask the client about behaviors that may have caused the weight gain, such as increased sodium intake or changes in medications.

Which diagnostic test result is consistent with a diagnosis of heart failure (HF)? Serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L) Ejection fraction of 60% B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 760 pg/mL (760 ng/dL) Chest x-ray report showing right middle lobe consolidation

B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) of 760 pg/mL (760 ng/dL) **A BNP of 760 pg/ml (760 ng/dL) is consistent with a diagnosis of heart failure. BNP is produced and released by the ventricles when the client has fluid overload as a result of HF. A normal BNP value is less than 0-99 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL) or 0-99 nanograms per liter (ng/L).Hypokalemia (serum potassium level of 3.2 mEq/L [3.2 mmol/L]) may occur in response to diuretic therapy for HF, but may also occur with other conditions. It is not specific to HF. Ejection fraction of 60% represents a normal value of 50% to 70%. Consolidation on chest x-ray may indicate pneumonia.

The nurse caring for a client with heart failure is concerned that digoxin toxicity has developed. For which signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity does the nurse notify the provider? Select all that apply. Blurred vision Tachycardia Fatigue Serum digoxin level of 1.5 ng/ml (1.92 nmol/L) Anorexia

Blurred vision Fatigue Anorexia **The signs and symptoms of digoxin toxicity that the nurse notifies the provider include: blurred vision, fatigue, and anorexia. Changes in mental status, especially in older adults, may also occur.Sinus bradycardia and not tachycardia is a sign of digoxin toxicity. A serum digoxin level between 0.8 and 2.0 (1.02 and 2.56 nmol/L) is considered normal and is not a symptom.

Which medication, when given in heart failure, may improve morbidity and mortality? Dobutamine (Dobutrex) Carvedilol (Coreg) Digoxin (Lanoxin) Bumetanide (Bumex)

Carvedilol (Coreg) **Carvedilol when given to clients in heart failure may improve morbidity and mortality. Beta-adrenergic blocking agents such as carvedilol reverse consequences of sympathetic stimulation and catecholamine release that worsen heart failure. This category of pharmacologic agents improves morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.Dobutamine and digoxin are inotropic agents used to improve myocardial contractility but have not been directly associated with improving morbidity and mortality. Bumetanide is a high-ceiling diuretic that promotes fluid excretion, and does not improve morbidity and mortality.

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. For which symptoms does the nurse assess? Select all that apply. Chest discomfort or pain Tachycardia Expectorating thick, yellow sputum Sleeping on back without a pillow Fatigue

Chest discomfort or pain Tachycardia Fatigue **When caring for a client with heart failure, the nurse needs to assess for chest discomfort or pain, tachycardia, and fatigue. Decreased tissue perfusion with heart failure may cause chest pain or angina. Tachycardia may occur as compensation for or as a result of decreased cardiac output. Fatigue is a symptom of poor tissue perfusion in clients with heart failure.Presence of a cough or dyspnea results as pulmonary venous congestion ensues. Clients with acute heart failure have dry cough and, when severe, pink, frothy sputum. Thick, yellow sputum is indicative of infection. Position for sleeping isn't a symptom. Clients usually find it difficult to lie flat because of dyspnea symptoms.

How does the nurse in the cardiac clinic recognize that the client with heart failure has demonstrated a positive outcome related to the addition of metoprolol (Lopressor) to the medication regimen? Ejection fraction is 25%. Client states that she is able to sleep on one pillow. Client was hospitalized five times last year with pulmonary edema. Client reports that she experiences palpitations.

Client states that she is able to sleep on one pillow. **A client with heart failure has had a positive outcome to metoprolol when she states that she is able to sleep on one pillow. Improvement in activity tolerance, less orthopnea, and improved symptoms represents a positive response to beta blockers such as metoprolol.An ejection fraction of 25% is well below the normal of 50% to 70% and indicates poor cardiac output. Repeated hospitalization for acute exacerbation of left-sided heart failure does not demonstrate a positive outcome. Although metoprolol decreases the heart rate, palpitations are defined as the feeling of the heart beating fast in the chest. This is not a positive outcome.

Which client is best to assign to an LPN/LVN working on the telemetry unit? Client with heart failure who is receiving dobutamine (Dobutrex) Client with dilated cardiomyopathy who uses oxygen for exertional dyspnea Client with pericarditis who has a paradoxical pulse and distended jugular veins Client with rheumatic fever who has a new systolic murmur

Client with dilated cardiomyopathy who uses oxygen for exertional dyspnea **The best client to assign to the LPN/LVN working on the telemetry unit is the client with dilated cardiomyopathy who uses oxygen for exertional dyspnea. This client is the most stable. Administration of oxygen to a stable client is within the scope of LPN/LVN practice.The client with heart failure is receiving an intravenous inotropic agent, which requires monitoring by the RN. The client with pericarditis is displaying signs of cardiac tamponade and requires immediate lifesaving intervention. The client with a new-onset murmur requires assessment and notification of the primary health care provider, which is within the scope of practice of the RN.

A client who has been admitted for the third time this year for heart failure says, "This isn't worth it anymore. I just want it all to end." What is the nurse's best response? Calls the family to lift the client's spirits Considers further assessment for depression Sedates the client to decrease myocardial oxygen demand Tells the client that things will get better

Considers further assessment for depression **The nurse's best response to the client when he/she says it isn't worth it anymore and I want it all to end is to consider further assessment for depression. This client is at risk for depression because of the diagnosis of heart failure, and further assessment must be done.Calling the family to help distract the client does not address the core issue. Sedation is inappropriate in this situation because it ignores the client's feelings. Telling the client that things will get better may give the client false hope, and ignores the client's feelings.

early S&S of pulmonary edema

Crackles in lung bases, dyspnea at rest, disorientation, confusion

Monitor HF pt on beta blockers

For hypotension and bradycardia

The nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client with acute heart failure who is experiencing severe dyspnea, with pink, frothy sputum, and crackles throughout the lung fields. The nurse reviews the medical record, which contains the following information: Physical Assessment Findings Diagnostic Findings Provider Prescriptions Crackles in all fieldsS3 presentOliguriaEjection fraction 30%BNP 560Sodium 130 mEq/L (130 mmol/L)Diagnosis: heart failureEnalapril 10 mg orally dailyHeparin 5000 units subcutaneously every 12 hoursFurosemide 40 mg IV dailyStrict I & O Enalapril Heparin Furosemide Intake and output (I & O)

Furosemide **While caring for a client with acute heart failure, the ED nurse Administers Furosemide first. The client is displaying typical signs of acute pulmonary edema secondary to fluid-filled alveoli and pulmonary congestion. A diuretic will promote fluid loss.Although enalapril will promote vasodilation and decrease cardiac workload, the client is demonstrating signs of acute pulmonary edema secondary to intra-alveolar fluid. Heparin will prevent deep vein thrombosis secondary to immobility, but will not reduce fluid excess. Although all clients with congestive heart failure need to have daily weights and I & O monitored, this is not a priority. Removing fluid volume and treating dyspnea are matters of priority.

The nurse prepares to administer digoxin to a client with heart failure and notes the following information: Temperature: 99.8°F (37.7°C), Pulse: 48 beats/min and irregular, Respirations: 20 breaths/min, Potassium level: 3.2 mEq/L (3.2 mmol/L). What action does the nurse take? Give the digoxin; reassess the heart rate in 30 minutes. Give the digoxin; document assessment findings in the medical record. Hold the digoxin, and obtain a prescription for an additional dose of furosemide. Hold the digoxin, and obtain a prescription for a potassium supplement.

Hold the digoxin, and obtain a prescription for a potassium supplement. **The nurse needs to hold the digoxin and get a prescription for a potassium supplement. Digoxin causes bradycardia and hypokalemia potentiates digoxin toxicity.Furosemide decreases circulating blood volume and depletes potassium. There is no indication suggesting that the client has fluid volume excess at this time.

The nurse is caring for an 82-year-old client admitted for exacerbation of heart failure (HF). The nurse questions the client about the use of which medication because it raises an index of suspicion as to the worsening of the client's HF? Ibuprofen (Motrin) Hydrochlorothiazide (HydroDIURIL) NPH insulin Levothyroxine (Synthroid)

Ibuprofen (Motrin) **The nurse questions an 82-year-old client with exacerbation of heart failure if the client is taking ibuprofen. Long-term use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin) causes fluid and sodium retention, which can worsen a client's HF.A diuretic may be used in the treatment of HF and hypertension. Although diabetes may be a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it does not directly cause HF. In proper doses, Synthroid replaces thyroid hormone for those with hypothyroidism. It does not cause HF.

Valvular dysfunction, cardiac infection, and cardiomyopathy teaching

Necessity of taking preventative antibiotic therapy before any invasive dental procedure

Which nursing action may be delegated to an unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) working on the medical unit? Determine the usual alcohol intake for a client with cardiomyopathy. Monitor the pain level for a client with acute pericarditis. Obtain daily weights for several clients with class IV heart failure. Check for peripheral edema in a client with endocarditis.

Obtain daily weights for several clients with class IV heart failure. **The nursing action that can be delegated to a UAP on the medical unit is to obtain daily weights for several clients with class IV heart failure. Daily weight assessment is included in the role of the nursing assistant, who will report the weights to the RN.The role of the professional nurse is to perform assessments. Determining alcohol intake, monitoring pain level, and assessing for peripheral edema would not be delegated.

Which intervention best assists the client with acute pulmonary edema in reducing anxiety and dyspnea? Monitor pulse oximetry and cardiac rate and rhythm. Reassure the client that his distress can be relieved with proper intervention. Place the client in high-Fowler's position with the legs down. Ask a family member to remain with the client.

Place the client in high-Fowler's position with the legs down. **The best intervention to help the client with acute pulmonary edema to reduce anxiety and dyspnea is to place the client in high-Fowler's position with the legs down. High-Fowler's position and placing the legs in a dependent position will decrease venous return to the heart, thus decreasing pulmonary venous congestion.Monitoring of vital signs will detect abnormalities, but will not prevent them. Reassuring the client and a family member's presence may help alleviate anxiety, but dyspnea and anxiety resulting from hypoxemia secondary to intra-alveolar edema must be relieved.

The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure in the coronary care unit. The client is now exhibiting signs of air hunger and anxiety. Which nursing intervention does the nurse perform first for this client? Determines the client's physical limitations Encourages alternate rest and activity periods Monitors and documents heart rate, rhythm, and pulses Positions the client to alleviate dyspnea

Positions the client to alleviate dyspnea **The ICU nurse's first action is to position the client to alleviate dyspnea. This action will help ease air hunger and anxiety. Administering oxygen therapy is also an important priority action.Determining the client's physical limitations is not a priority in this situation. Encouraging alternate rest and activity periods is not the immediate priority. Monitoring of heart rate, rhythm, and pulses is important, but is not the priority.

Assess s&s of worsening HF

Rapid weight gain (3lb in a week), a decrease in exercise tolerance lasting 2-3 days, cold symptoms (cough) lasting more than 3-5 days, nocturia, development of dyspnea or angina at rest, or unstable angina

A client with heart failure is taking furosemide (Lasix). Which finding concerns the nurse with this new prescription? Serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L) Serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 mcmol/L) Serum magnesium level of 1.9 mEq/L (0.95 mmol/L)

Serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L) **The nurse is concerned with the serum potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L (2.8 mmol/L) in a heart failure client taking furosemide. Furosemide is a loop diuretic and clients taking this drug must be monitored for potassium deficiency from diuretic therapy.A serum sodium level of 135 mEq/L (135 mmol/L) is a normal value. Heart failure may cause renal insufficiency, but a serum creatinine of 1.0 mg/dL (88.4 mcmol/L) represents a normal value. A diuretic may deplete magnesium, but a serum magnesium level of 1.9 mEq/L (0.95 mmol/L) represents a normal value.

The nurse is assessing a client with a cardiac infection. Which symptoms support the diagnosis of infective endocarditis instead of pericarditis or rheumatic carditis? Friction rub auscultated at the left lower sternal border Pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing Splinter hemorrhages Thickening of the endocardium

Splinter hemorrhages **Splinter hemorrhages are indicative of infective endocarditis. Petechiae (pinpoint red spots) occur in many clients with endocarditis. Splinter hemorrhages appear as black longitudinal lines or small red streaks along the distal third of the nail bed.Friction rub in the left lower sternal border and pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing are signs and symptoms indicative of chronic constrictive pericarditis. Thickening of the endocardium is indicative of rheumatic carditis.

A client admitted for heart failure has a priority problem of hypervolemia related to compromised regulatory mechanisms. Which assessment result obtained the day after admission is the best indicator that the treatment has been effective? The client has diuresis of 400 mL in 24 hours. The client's blood pressure is 122/84 mm Hg. The client has an apical pulse of 82 beats/min. The client's weight decreases by 2.5 kg.

The client's weight decreases by 2.5 kg. **The best indicator that treatment is effective on a client with heart failure and problems of hypervolemia is the client's weight decreased by 5.5 pounds (2.5 kg) in one day. The best indicator of fluid volume gain or loss is daily weight. Because each kilogram represents approximately 1 liter, this client has lost approximately 2500 mL of fluid.Diuresis of 400 mL in 24 hours represents oliguria. Although a blood pressure of 122/84 mm Hg is a normal finding, alone it is not significant for relief of hypervolemia. Although an apical pulse of 82 beats/min is a normal finding, alone it is not significant to determine whether hypervolemia is relieved.

Which nursing intervention for a client admitted today with heart failure will assist the client to conserve energy? The client ambulates around the nursing unit with a walker. The nurse monitors the client's pulse and blood pressure frequently. The nurse obtains a bedside commode before administering furosemide. The nurse returns the client to bed when the client becomes tachycardic.

The nurse obtains a bedside commode before administering furosemide. **The nursing intervention that can help the client admitted today with heart failure is to have a bedside commode available to the client before administering furosemide. Limiting the need for ambulation on the first day of admission to sitting in a chair or performing basic leg exercises promotes physical rest and reduced oxygen demand.Monitoring of vital signs will alert the nurse to increased energy expenditures but will not prevent them. Waiting until tachycardia occurs permits increased oxygen demand. The nurse must prevent this situation.

A client begins therapy with lisinopril (Prinivil, Zestril). What does the nurse consider at the start of therapy with this medication? The client's ability to understand medication teaching The risk for hypotension The potential for bradycardia Liver function tests

The risk for hypotension **At the start of therapy with lisinopril, the nurse needs to consider the risk for hypotension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like lisinopril are associated with first-dose hypotension and orthostatic hypotension, which are more likely in those older than 75 years.Although desirable, ability to understand teaching is not essential. ACE inhibitors are vasodilators and do not affect heart rate. Renal function, not liver function, may be altered by ACE inhibitors.

When following up in the clinic with a client with heart failure, how does the nurse recognize that the client has been compliant with fluid restrictions? Auscultation of crackles Pedal edema Weight loss of 6 pounds (2.7 kg) since the last visit Reports sucking on ice chips all day for dry mouth

Weight loss of 6 pounds (2.7 kg) since the last visit **The clinic nurse recognizes that the client has been compliant with fluid restrictions when the client has a weight loss of 6 pounds (2.7 kg) since the last visit. Weight loss in this client indicates effective fluid restriction and diuretic drug therapy.Lung crackles indicate intra-alveolar edema and fluid excess. Pedal edema indicates fluid excess. Sucking on ice chips indicates noncompliance with fluid restrictions. Alternative methods of treating dry mouth need to be explored.