MSE3 SI material TB
A client is in shock and the nurse prepares to administer insulin for a blood glucose reading of 208 mg/dL (11.6 mmol/L). The spouse asks why the client needs insulin as the client is not a diabetic. What response by the nurse is best? a. "High glucose is common in shock and needs to be treated." b. "Some of the medications we are giving are to raise blood sugar." c. "The IV solution has lots of glucose, which raises blood sugar." d. "The stress of this illness has made your spouse a diabetic."
A
A client is receiving norepinephrine for shock. What assessment finding best indicates a therapeutic effect from this drug? a. Alert and oriented, answering questions b. Client denies chest pain or chest pressure c. IV site without redness or swelling d. Urine output of 30 mL/hr for 2 hours
A
A nurse is caring for a client with a nonhealing arterial lower leg ulcer. What action by the nurse is best? a. Consult with the wound care nurse. b. Give pain medication prior to dressing changes. c. Maintain sterile technique for dressing changes. d. Prepare the client for eventual amputation.
A
A nurse teaches a client who experiences occasional premature atrial contractions (PACs) accompanied by palpitations that resolve spontaneously without treatment. Which statement would the nurse include in this client's teaching? a. "Minimize or abstain from caffeine." b. "Lie on your side until the attack subsides." c. "Use your oxygen when you experience PACs." d. "Take amiodarone daily to prevent PACs."
A
A nurse is teaching a client with heart failure who has been prescribed enalapril. Which statement would the nurse include in this client's teaching? a. "Avoid using salt substitutes." b. "Take your medication with food." c. "Avoid using aspirin-containing products." d. "Check your pulse daily."
A (ACE inhibitors inhibit the excretion of potassium and salt substitutes are composed of potassium chloride)
A nurse admits a client who is experiencing an exacerbation of heart failure. What action would the nurse take first? a. Assess the client's respiratory status. b. Draw blood to assess the client's serum electrolytes. c. Administer intravenous furosemide. d. Ask the client about current medications.
A (assessment of RR is most important)
A client with a history of heart failure and hypertension is in the clinic for a follow-up visit. The client is on lisinopril and warfarin. The client reports new-onset cough. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Assess the client's lung sounds and oxygenation. b. Instruct the client on another antihypertensive. c. Obtain a set of vital signs and document them. d. Remind the client that cough is a side effect of lisinopril.
A (could be having an exacerbation of heart failure or experiencing side effects of lisinopril)
A nurse assesses a client with tachycardia. Which clinical manifestation requires immediate intervention by the nurse? a. Midsternal chest pain b. Increased urine output c. Mild orthostatic hypotension d. P wave touching the T wave
A (could indicate that tachycardia is increasing the pts myocardial workload and oxygen demand to an extent that normal oxygen delivery cannot keep pace resulting in myocardial hypoxia and pain)
An emergency department nurse obtains the health history of a client. Which statement by the client would alert the nurse to the occurrence of heart failure? a. "I get short of breath when I climb stairs." b. "I see halos floating around my head." c. "I have trouble remembering things." d. "I have lost weight over the past month."
A (dyspnea on exertion is an early manifestation of HF and is associated with activity such as stair climbing)
The nurse gets the hand-off report on four clients. Which client would the nurse assess first? a. Client with a blood pressure change of 128/74 to 110/88 mm Hg b. Client with oxygen saturation unchanged at 94% c. Client with a pulse change of 100 to 88 beats/min d. Client with urine output of 40 mL/hr for the last 2 hours
A (falling systolic, rising diastolic, narrowing pulse pressure which may be indications of worsening perfusion status and possible shock)
The nurse is caring for four hypertensive clients. Which drug-laboratory value combination would the nurse report immediately to the health care provider? a. Furosemide/potassium: 2.1 mEq/L b. Hydrochlorothiazide/potassium: 4.2 mEq/L c. Spironolactone/potassium: 5.1 mEq/L d. Torsemide/sodium: 142 mEq/L
A (hypokalemia)
A nurse cares for a client who is on a cardiac monitor. The monitor displayed the rhythm shown below: V-TACH What action would the nurse take first? a. Assess airway, breathing, and circulation. b. Administer an amiodarone bolus followed by a drip. c. Cardiovert the client with a biphasic defibrillator. d. Begin cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
A (if pt is pulseless, call code blue and begin CPR-- if they have a pulse, defib)
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering from a myocardial infarction. The client's blood pressure is 140/88 mm Hg. What action would the nurse take first? a. Compare the results with previous blood pressure readings. b. Increase the intravenous fluid rate because these readings are low. c. Immediately notify the primary health care provider of the elevated blood pressure. d. Document the finding in the client's chart as the only action.
A (need baseline to determine changes)
A nurse cares for a client with right-sided heart failure. The client asks, "Why do I need to weigh myself every day?" How would the nurse respond? a. "Weight is the best indication that you are gaining or losing fluid." b. "Daily weights will help us make sure that you're eating properly." c. "The hospital requires that all clients be weighed daily." d. "You need to lose weight to decrease the incidence of heart failure."
A (need to be documented to see if fluid retention or loss is taking place)
A nurse is caring for a client who had a myocardial infarction. The nurse is confused because the client states that nothing is wrong and yet listens attentively while the nurse provides education on lifestyle changes and healthy menu choices. What response by the charge nurse is best? a. "Continue to educate the client on possible healthy changes." b. "Emphasize complications that can occur with noncompliance." c. "Tell the client that denial is normal and will soon go away." d. "You need to make sure the client understands this illness."
A (pts are often in denial after a coronary event)
A client has peripheral arterial disease (PAD). What statement by the client indicates misunderstanding about self-management activities? a. "I can use a heating pad on my legs if it's set on low." b. "I should not cross my legs when sitting or lying down." c. "I will go out and buy some warm, heavy socks to wear." d. "It's going to be really hard but I will stop smoking."
A (should never use heating pads because skin sensitivity is diminished and burns can result)
A nurse assesses clients on a cardiac unit. Which pt would the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for the development of left sided heart failure a. A 36-year-old woman with aortic stenosis b. A 42-year-old man with pulmonary hypertension c. A 59-year-old woman who smokes cigarettes daily d. A 70-year-old man who had a CVA
A (valve disease can lead to left ventricular failure)
A nurse assesses a client who had a myocardial infarction and has a blood pressure of 88/58 mm Hg. Which additional assessment finding would the nurse expect? a. Heart rate of 120 beats/min b. Cool, clammy skin c. Oxygen saturation of 90% d. Respiratory rate of 8 breaths/min
A (when a pt experiences hypotension, baroreceptors in the aortic arch sense a pressure decrease in the vessels so the parasympathetic system responds by lessening the inhibitory effect on the SA node resulting in increased HR and RR)
A nurse is caring for a client with a history of renal insufficiency who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. What actions would the nurse take prior to the catheterization? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess for allergies to iodine. b. Administer intravenous fluids. c. Assess blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine results. d. Insert a Foley catheter. e. Administer a prophylactic antibiotic. f. Insert a central venous catheter.
A, B, C
The nurse caring frequently for older adults in the hospital is aware of risk factors that place them at a higher risk for shock. For what factors would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Altered mobility/immobility b. Decreased thirst response c. Diminished immune response d. Malnutrition e. Overhydration f. Use of diuretics
A, B, C, D, F
The nurse is caring for a client with suspected septic shock. What does the nurse prepare to do within 1 hour of the client being identified as possibly having sepsis? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer antibiotics. b. Draw serum lactate levels. c. Infuse vasopressors. d. Measure central venous pressure. e. Obtain blood cultures. f. Administer rapid bolus of IV crystalloids.
A, B, C, E, F
A nurse is teaching a client who has premature ectopic beats. Which education would the nurse include in this client's teaching? (Select all that apply.) a. Smoking cessation b. Stress reduction and management c. Avoiding vagal stimulation d. Adverse effects of medications e. Foods high in potassium f. Types of aerobic exercise
A, B, D
The nurse is reviewing risk factors in a client who has atherosclerosis. Which findings are most concerning? (Select all that apply.) a. Elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL-C) b. Decreased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) c. Asian ethnicity d. History of smoking e. Blood pressure: 142/92 mm Hg on one occasion
A, B, D
A nurse is caring for a client on IV infusion of heparin. What actions does this nurse include in the client's plan of care? (Select all that apply.) a. Assess the client for bleeding. b. Monitor the daily activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) results. c. Stop the IV for aPTT above baseline. d. Use an IV pump for the infusion. e. Weigh the client daily on the same scale.
A, B, D (aPTT needs to be 1.5-2.5 times normal in order to demonstrate that the heparin is therapeutic. infusion should not be stopped, it should be lowered if aPTT is too high according to the heparin protocol at each facility)
A nurse studying acute coronary syndromes learns that the pain of a myocardial infarction (MI) differs from stable angina in what ways? (Select all that apply.) a. Accompanied by shortness of breath b. Feelings of fear or anxiety c. Lasts less than 15 minutes d. No relief from taking nitroglycerin e. Pain occurs without known cause f. Can be precipitated by exertion or stress
A, B, D, E (MI lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not relieved by nitroglycerin and occurs with unknown cause)
A nurse is assessing a client with left-sided heart failure. For which clinical manifestations would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Pulmonary crackles b. Confusion c. Pulmonary hypertension d. Dependent edema e. Cough that worsens at night f. Jugular venous distention
A, B, E
The nurse caring for hospitalized clients includes which actions on their care plans to reduce the possibility of the clients developing shock? (Select all that apply.) a. Assessing and identifying clients at risk b. Monitoring the daily white blood cell count c. Performing proper hand hygiene d. Removing invasive lines as soon as possible e. Using aseptic technique during procedures f. Limiting the client's visitors until more stable
A, C, D, E
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a right-sided heart catheterization. For which complications of this procedure would the nurse assess? (Select all that apply.) a. Thrombophlebitis b. Stroke c. Pulmonary embolism d. Myocardial infarction e. Cardiac tamponade f. Dysrhythmias
A, C, E
After teaching a client with congestive heart failure (CHF), the nurse assesses the client's understanding. Which client statements indicate a correct understanding of the teaching related to nutritional intake? (Select all that apply.) a. "I'll read the nutritional labels on food items for salt content." b. "I will drink at least 3 L of water each day." c. "Using salt in moderation will reduce the workload of my heart." d. "I will eat oatmeal for breakfast instead of ham and eggs." e. "Substituting fresh vegetables for canned ones will lower my salt intake." f. "Salt substitutes are a good way to cut down on sodium in my diet."
A, D, E (pt should limit water intake to 2 L/day)
The nurse working in the emergency department knows that which factors are commonly related to aneurysm formation? (Select all that apply.) a. Atherosclerosis b. Down syndrome c. Frequent heartburn d. History of hypertension e. History of smoking f. Hyperlipidemia
A, D, E, F
A client has been diagnosed with hypertension but does not take the antihypertensive medications because of a lack of symptoms. What response by the nurse is best? a. "Do you have trouble affording your medications?" b. "Most people with hypertension do not have symptoms." c. "You are lucky; most people get severe morning headaches." d. "You need to take your medicine or you will get kidney failure."
B
A client received tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) after a myocardial infarction and now is on an intravenous infusion of heparin. The client's spouse asks why the client needs this medication. What response by the nurse is best? a. "The t-PA didn't dissolve the entire coronary clot." b. "The heparin keeps that artery from getting blocked again." c. "Heparin keeps the blood as thin as possible for a longer time." d. "The heparin prevents a stroke from occurring as the t-PA wears off."
B
A nurse is caring for a client who suffered massive blood loss after trauma. How does the nurse correlate the blood loss with the client's mean arterial pressure (MAP)? a. It causes vasoconstriction and increased MAP. b. Lower blood volume lowers MAP. c. There is no direct correlation to MAP. d. It raises cardiac output and MAP
B
A nurse works at a community center for older adults. What self-management measure can the nurse teach the clients to prevent shock? a. Do not get dehydrated in warm weather. b. Drink fluids on a regular schedule. c. Seek attention for any lacerations. d. Take medications as prescribed.
B
The nurse is caring for a client on the medical-surgical unit who suddenly becomes unresponsive and has no pulse. The cardiac monitor shows the rhythm below: V-FIB After calling for assistance and a defibrillator, what action would the nurse take next? a. Perform a pericardial thump. b. Initiate cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). c. Start an 18-gauge intravenous line. d. Ask the client's family about code status.
B
A nurse is caring for four clients. Which one would the nurse see first? a. Client who needs a beta blocker, and has a blood pressure of 98/58 mm Hg. b. Client who had a first dose of captopril and needs to use the bathroom. c. Hypertensive client with a blood pressure of 188/92 mm Hg. d. Client who needs pain medication prior to a dressing change of a surgical wound.
B (ACE inhibitors can cause hypotension especially after the first dose so they should not get up without assistance)
A nurse assesses a client who has mitral valve regurgitation. For which cardiac dysrhythmia would the nurse assess? a. Preventricular contractions b. Atrial fibrillation c. Symptomatic bradycardia d. Sinus tachycardia
B (a-fib is a clinical manifestation of mitral valve regurgitation and stenosis)
A nurse evaluates prescriptions for a client with chronic atrial fibrillation. Which medication would the nurse expect to find on this client's medication administration record to prevent a common complication of this condition? a. Sotalol b. Warfarin c. Atropine d. Lidocaine
B (anticoagulant-- heparin, enoxaparin)
A nurse is caring for a client with a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). What nursing assessment indicates that an important outcome has been met? a. Ambulates with assistance b. Oxygen saturation of 98% c. Pain of 2/10 after medication d. Verbalizing risk factors
B (complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism so a normal oxygen sat indicates that this has not occured)
A nurse assists with the cardioversion of a client experiencing acute atrial fibrillation. What action would the nurse take prior to the cardioversion? a. Administer intravenous adenosine. b. Turn off oxygen therapy. c. Ensure that a tongue blade is available. d. Position the client on the left side.
B (could cause fire)
A nurse assesses a client with mitral valve stenosis. What clinical sign or symptom would alert the nurse to the possibility that the client's stenosis has progressed? a. Oxygen saturation of 92% b. Dyspnea on exertion c. Muted systolic murmur d. Upper extremity weakness
B (dyspnea will develop as mitral valvular orifice narrows and pressure in the lungs increase)
nurse assesses a client admitted to the cardiac unit. Which statement by the client alerts the nurse to the possibility of right-sided heart failure? a. "I sleep with four pillows at night." b. "My shoes fit really tight lately." c. "I wake up coughing every night." d. "I have trouble catching my breath."
B (fluid is retained so pressure builds up in the venous system and peripheral edema develops)
fter administering the first dose of captopril to a client with heart failure, the nurse implements interventions to decrease complications. Which intervention is most important for the nurse to implement? a. Provide food to decrease nausea and aid in absorption. b. Instruct the client to ask for assistance when rising from bed. c. Collaborate with assistive personnel to bathe the client. d. Monitor potassium levels and check for symptoms of hypokalemia.
B (hypotension is a side effect of ace inhibitors)
The nurse is caring for a client with a chest tube after a coronary artery bypass graft. The drainage stops suddenly. What action by the nurse is most important? a. Increase the setting on the suction. b. Notify the primary health care provider immediately. c. Reposition the chest tube. d. Take the tubing apart to assess for clots.
B (if drainage decreases significantly and dramatically, the tube may be blocked by a clot and could lead to cardiac tamponade)
A nurse cares for a client who has an 80% blockage of the right coronary artery (RCA) and is scheduled for bypass surgery. Which intervention would the nurse be prepared to implement while this client waits for surgery? a. Administration of IV furosemide b. Initiation of an external pacemaker c. Assistance with endotracheal intubation d. Placement of central venous access
B (if the pt totally occludes RCA, the AV node would not function and the pt will go into heart block)
A client is being discharged home after a large myocardial infarction and subsequent coronary artery bypass grafting surgery. The client's sternal wound has not yet healed. What statement by the client most indicates a higher risk of developing sepsis after discharge? a. "All my friends and neighbors are planning a party for me." b. "I hope I can get my water turned back on when I get home." c. "I am going to have my daughter scoop the cat litter box." d. "My grandkids are so excited to have me coming home!"
B (lack of handwashing and cleaning)
A client has intra-arterial blood pressure monitoring after a myocardial infarction. The nurse notes that the client's heart rate has increased from 88 to 110 beats/min, and the blood pressure dropped from 120/82 to 100/60 mm Hg. What action by the nurse is most appropriate? a. Allow the client to rest quietly. b. Assess the client for bleeding. c. Document the findings in the chart. d. Medicate the client for pain.
B (major complication related to intra-arterial BP is hemorrhage from the insertion site)
A client has hypertension and high risk factors for cardiovascular disease. The client is overwhelmed with the recommended lifestyle changes. What action by the nurse is best? a. Assess the client's support system. b. Assist in finding one change the client can control. c. Determine what stressors the client faces in daily life. d. Inquire about delegating some of the client's obligations.
B (may be overwhelming so pick one thing the client has control over changing)
A nurse is assessing clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client would the nurse identify as being at greatest risk for atrial fibrillation? a. A 45-year-old who takes an aspirin daily. b. A 50-year-old who is post coronary artery bypass graft surgery. c. A 78-year-old who had a carotid endarterectomy. d. An 80-year-old with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
B (occurs commonly in pts with cardiac disease)
A client is 4 hours postoperative after a femoral-popliteal bypass. The client reports throbbing leg pain on the affected side, rated as 7/10. What action by the nurse is most important? a. Administer pain medication as ordered. b. Assess distal pulses and skin color. c. Document the findings in the client's chart. d. Notify the surgeon immediately.
B (pt may feel throbbing pain due to increased blood flow but it is important to differentiate the pain from ischemia so the nurse should assess for other signs of perfusion such as distal pulses and skin color/temperature)
A client is receiving an infusion of alteplase for an intra-arterial clot. The client begins to mumble and is disoriented. What action by the nurse is most important? a. Assess the client's neurologic status. b. Notify the Rapid Response Team. c. Prepare to administer vitamin K. d. Turn down the infusion rate.
B (pts on fibronolytic therapy are at high risk of bleeding so the sudden onset of neurologic signs may indicate the pt is having a hemorrhagic stroke)
A nurse assesses a client with atrial fibrillation. Which manifestation would alert the nurse to the possibility of a serious complication from this condition? a. Sinus tachycardia b. Speech alterations c. Fatigue d. Dyspnea with activity
B (pts with a-fib are at risk for embolic stroke-- from clotting)
A nurse assesses a client with pericarditis. Which assessment finding would the nurse expect to find? a. Heart rate that speeds up and slows down. b. Friction rub at the left lower sternal border. c. Presence of a regular gallop rhythm. d. Coarse crackles in bilateral lung bases.
B (sound is result of friction from inflamed pericardial layers when they rub together)
A nurse is caring for a client after surgery who is restless and apprehensive. The assistive personnel (AP) reports the vital signs and the nurse sees that they are only slightly different from previous readings. What action does the nurse delegate next to the AP? a. Assess the client for pain or discomfort. b. Measure urine output from the catheter. c. Reposition the client to the side. d. Stay with the client and reassure
B (urine output changes are a sensitive early indicator of shock)
A nurse cares for a client who has a heart rate averaging 56 beats/min with no adverse symptoms. Which activity modification would the nurse suggest to avoid further slowing of the heart rate? a. "Make certain that your bath water is warm." b. "Avoid straining while having a bowel movement." c. "Limit your intake of caffeinated drinks to one a day." d. "Avoid strenuous exercise such as running."
B (valsalva maneuver-- stimulates vagus nerve and slows the heart)
A nurse assesses a client who has a history of heart failure. Which question would the nurse ask to assess the extent of the client's heart failure? a. "Do you have trouble breathing or chest pain?" b. "Are you still able to walk upstairs without fatigue?" c. "Do you awake with breathlessness during the night?" d. "Do you have new-onset heaviness in your legs?"
B (want to see if condition is worsening and if they are still able to do ADLS as normal)
What nonpharmacologic comfort measures would the nurse include in the plan of care for a client with severe varicose veins? (Select all that apply.) a. Administering mild analgesics for pain b. Applying elastic compression stockings c. Elevating the legs when sitting or lying d. Reminding the client to do leg exercises e. Teaching the client about surgical options f. Encouraging participation in high impact aerobic activity
B, C, D
A nurse learns about modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Which factors does this include? (Select all that apply.) a. Age b. Hypertension c. Obesity d. Smoking e. Stress f. Gender
B, C, D, E
An emergency department nurse assesses a female client. Which assessment findings would alert the nurse to request a prescription for an electrocardiogram? (Select all that apply.) a. Hypertension b. Fatigue despite adequate rest c. Indigestion d. Abdominal pain e. Shortness of breath
B, C, E
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering after a coronary catheterization. Which assessment findings in the first few hours after the procedure require immediate action by the nurse? (Select all that apply.) a. Blood pressure of 140/88 mm Hg b. Serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L (2.9 mmol/L) c. Warmth and redness at the site d. Expanding groin hematoma e. Rhythm changes on the cardiac monitor f. Oxygen saturation 93% on room
B, D, E
A client with a known abdominal aortic aneurysm reports dizziness and severe abdominal pain. The nurse assesses the client's blood pressure at 82/40 mm Hg. What actions by the nurse are most important? (Select all that apply.) a. Administer pain medication. b. Assess distal pulses every 10 minutes. c. Have the client sign a surgical consent. d. Notify the Rapid Response Team. e. Take vital signs every 10 minutes.
B, D, E (may have a ruptured aneurysm)
A nurse assesses an older adult client who has multiple chronic diseases. The client's heart rate is 48 beats/min. What action would the nurse take first? a. Document the finding in the chart. b. Initiate external pacing. c. Assess the client's medications. d. Administer 1 mg of atropine.
C
A nurse assesses clients on a medical-surgical unit. Which client would the nurse identify as having the greatest risk for cardiovascular disease? a. An 86-year-old man with a history of asthma. b. A 32-year-old man with colorectal cancer. c. A 65-year-old woman with diabetes mellitus. d. A 53-year-old postmenopausal woman who takes bisphosphonates.
C
A nurse performs an admission assessment on a 75-year-old client with multiple chronic diseases. The client's blood pressure is 135/75 mm Hg and oxygen saturation is 94% on 2 L per nasal cannula. The nurse assesses the client's rhythm on the cardiac monitor and observes the reading shown below: BRADYCARDIA What action would the nurse take first? a. Begin external temporary pacing. b. Assess peripheral pulse strength. c. Ask the client what medications he or she takes. d. Administer 1 mg of atropine.
C
A nurse prepares a client for coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The client states, "I am afraid I might die." What is the nurse's best response? a. "This is a routine surgery and the risk of death is very low." b. "Would you like to speak with a chaplain prior to surgery?" c. "Tell me more about your concerns about the surgery." d. "What support systems do you have to assist you
C
A telemetry nurse assesses a client who has a heart rate of 35 beats/min on the cardiac monitor. Which assessment would the nurse complete next? a. Pulmonary auscultation b. Pulse strength and amplitude c. Level of consciousness d. Mobility and gait stability
C (at risk for inadequate cerebral perfusion)
A nurse administers prescribed adenosine to a client. Which response would the nurse assess for as the expected therapeutic response? a. Decreased intraocular pressure b. Increased heart rate c. Short period of asystole d. Hypertensive crisis
C (given with SVT)
A nurse assesses female client who is experiencing a myocardial infarction. Which clinical manifestation would the nurse expect? a. Excruciating pain on inspiration b. Left lateral chest wall pain c. Fatigue and shortness of breath d. Numbness and tingling of the arm
C (in women, fatigue, SOB and indigestion may be major symptoms of MI caused by poor cardiac output)
A client with MODS has been started on dobutamine. What assessment finding requires the nurse to communicate with the primary health care provider immediately? a. Blood pressure of 98/68 mm Hg b. Pedal pulses 1+/4+ bilaterally c. Report of chest heaviness d. Urine output of 32 mL/hr
C (indicates MI)
A nurse assesses a client who is recovering after a left-sided cardiac catheterization. Which assessment finding requires immediate intervention? a. Urinary output less than intake b. Bruising at the insertion site c. Slurred speech and confusion d. Discomfort in the left leg
C (left sided increases the risk for cerebral vascular accident)
A nurse assesses a client 2 hours after a cardiac angiography via the left femoral artery. The nurse notes that the left pedal pulse is weak. What action would the nurse take next? a. Elevate the leg and apply a sandbag to the entrance site. b. Increase the flow rate of intravenous fluids. c. Assess the color and temperature of the left leg. d. Document the finding as "left pedal pulse of +1/4."
C (loss of pulse distal to angiography can be indicative of possible arterial obstruction-- assessing color and temperature will identify a decrease in circulation)
A client had an acute myocardial infarction. What assessment finding indicates to the nurse that a significant complication has occurred? a. Blood pressure that is 20 mm Hg below baseline b. Oxygen saturation of 94% on room air c. Poor peripheral pulses and cool skin d. Urine output of 1.2 mL/kg/hr for 4 hours
C (may be signs of impending cardiogenic shock and should be reported immediately)
A nurse is caring for a client who has a diagnosis of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) who will be receiving sodium nitroprusside via IV infusion. What action by the nurse causes the charge nurse to intervene? a. Assessing the IV site before giving the drug b. Obtaining a programmable ("smart") IV pump c. Removing the IV bag from the brown plastic cover d. Taking and recording a baseline set of vital signs
C (nitroprusside degrades in the presence of light so it must be protected by leaving it in the original brown plastic bag when infusing)
A nurse cares for a client who is recovering from a myocardial infarction. The client states, "I will need to stop eating so much chili to keep that indigestion pain from returning." What is the nurse's best response? a. "Chili is high in fat and calories; it would be a good idea to stop eating it." b. "The primary health care provider has prescribed an antacid every morning." c. "What do you understand about what happened to you?" d. "When did you start experiencing
C (often respond with denial-- ask what it means to them or what they think happened)
A client is in the preoperative holding area prior to an emergency coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). The client is yelling at family members and tells the doctor to "just get this over with" when asked to sign the consent form. What action by the nurse is best? a. Ask the family members to wait in the waiting area. b. Inform the client that this behavior is unacceptable. c. Stay out of the room to decrease the client's stress levels. d. Tell the client that anxiety is common and that you can help.
D
A nurse teaches a client who is prescribed digoxin therapy. Which statement would the nurse include in this client's teaching? a. "Avoid taking aspirin or aspirin-containing products." b. "Increase your intake of foods that are high in potassium." c. "Hold this medication if your pulse rate is below 80 beats/min." d. "Do not take this medication within 1 hour of taking an antacid."
D (antacids will interfere with absorption)
A nurse assesses a client after administering a prescribed beta blocker. Which assessment would the nurse expect to find? a. Blood pressure increased from 98/42 to 132/60 mm Hg. b. Respiratory rate decreased from 25 to 14 breaths/min. c. Oxygen saturation increased from 88% to 96%. d. Pulse decreased from 100 to 80 beats/min.
D (block fight or flight response and decreases the HR)
A nurse assesses a client who is scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Which assessment would the nurse complete as the priority prior to this procedure? a. Client's level of anxiety b. Ability to turn self in bed c. Cardiac rhythm and heart rate d. Allergies to iodine-based agents
D (contrast used during procedure)
An emergency department nurse triages clients who present with chest discomfort. Which client would the nurse plan to assess first? a. Client who describes pain as a dull ache. b. Client who reports moderate pain that is worse on inspiration. c. Client who reports cramping substernal pain. d. Client who describes intense squeezing pressure across the chest.
D (indicative of MI)
A nurse assesses a client after administering the first dose of a nitrate. The client reports a headache. What action would the nurse take? a. Initiate oxygen therapy. b. Hold the next dose. c. Instruct the client to drink water. d. Administer PRN acetaminophen.
D (nitrates frequently cause headaches-- this is non cardiac pain which means a mild analgesic should be implemented)
A nurse assesses a client's electrocardiograph tracing and observes that not all QRS complexes are preceded by a P wave. How would the nurse interpret this observation? a. The client has hyperkalemia causing irregular QRS complexes. b. Ventricular tachycardia is overriding the normal atrial rhythm. c. The client's chest leads are not making sufficient contact with the skin. d. Ventricular and atrial depolarizations are initiated from different sites.
D (normal rhythm shows one P wave preceding each QRS complex indicating that all depolarization is initiated at the SA node)
