Med Surg Chapter 35,37,38 Evolve

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a 68-year-old patient whose warfarin (Coumadin) therapy was terminated during the preoperative period. The nurse concludes that the patient is in the most stable condition for surgery after noting which INR (international normalized ratio) result? 1.0 1.8 2.7 3.4

1.0 The therapeutic range for INR is 2.0 to 3.0 for many clinical diagnoses. The larger the INR number, the greater the amount of anticoagulation. For this reason, the safest value before surgery is 1.0, meaning that the anticoagulation has been reversed.

A male patient was admitted for a possible ruptured aortic aneurysm, but had no back pain. Ten minutes later his assessment includes the following: sinus tachycardia at 138, BP palpable at 65 mm Hg, increasing waist circumference, and no urine output. How should the nurse interpret this assessment about the patient's aneurysm? Tamponade will soon occur. The renal arteries are involved. Perfusion to the legs is impaired. He is bleeding into the abdomen.

He is bleeding into the abdomen. The lack of back pain indicates the patient is most likely exsanguinating into the abdominal space, and the bleeding is likely to continue without surgical repair. A blockade of the blood flow will not occur in the abdominal space as it would in the retroperitoneal space where surrounding anatomic structures may control the bleeding. The lack of urine output does not indicate renal artery involvement, but that the bleeding is occurring above the renal arteries, which decreases the blood flow to the kidneys. There is no assessment data indicating decreased perfusion to the legs.

The nurse provides discharge instructions for a 40-year-old woman who is newly diagnosed with cardiomyopathy. Which statement, if made by the patient, indicates that further teaching is necessary? "I will avoid lifting heavy objects." "I can drink alcohol in moderation." "My family will need to take a CPR course." "I will reduce stress by learning guided imagery."

"I can drink alcohol in moderation." Patients with cardiomyopathy should avoid alcohol consumption, especially in patients with alcohol-related dilated cardiomyopathy. Avoiding heavy lifting and stress, as well as family members learning CPR, are recommended teaching points.

The nurse performs discharge teaching for a 68-year-old man who is newly diagnosed with infective endocarditis with a history of IV substance abuse. Which statement by the patient indicates to the nurse that teaching was successful? "I will need antibiotics before having any invasive procedure or surgery." "I will inform my dentist about my hospitalization for infective endocarditis." "I should not be alarmed if I have difficulty breathing or pink-tinged sputum." "An elevated temperature is expected and can be managed by taking acetaminophen."

"I will inform my dentist about my hospitalization for infective endocarditis." Patients with infective endocarditis should inform their dental providers of their health history. Antibiotic prophylaxis is recommended for patients with a history of infective endocarditis who have certain dental procedures performed. Antibiotics are not indicated before genitourinary or gastrointestinal procedures unless an infection is present. Patients should immediately report the presence of fever or clinical manifestations indicating heart failure to their health care provider.

At a clinic visit, the nurse provides dietary teaching for a 56-year-old woman who was recently hospitalized with an exacerbation of chronic heart failure. The nurse determines that teaching is successful if the patient makes which statement? "I will limit the amount of milk and cheese in my diet." "I can add salt when cooking foods but not at the table." "I will take an extra diuretic pill when I eat a lot of salt." "I can have unlimited amounts of foods labeled as reduced sodium."

"I will limit the amount of milk and cheese in my diet." Milk products should be limited to 2 cups per day for a 2500-mg sodium-restricted diet. Salt should not be added during food preparation or at the table. Diuretics should be taken as prescribed (usually daily) and not based on sodium intake. Foods labeled as reduced sodium contain at least 25% less sodium than regular.

A70-year-old woman with chronic heart failure and atrial fibrillation asks the nurse why warfarin (Coumadin) has been prescribed for her to continue at home. Which response by the nurse is accurate? "The medication prevents blood clots from forming in your heart." "The medication dissolves clots that develop in your coronary arteries." "The medication reduces clotting by decreasing serum potassium levels." "The medication increases your heart rate so that clots do not form in your heart."

"The medication prevents blood clots from forming in your heart." Chronic heart failure causes enlargement of the chambers of the heart and an altered electrical pathway, especially in the atria. When numerous sites in the atria fire spontaneously and rapidly, atrial fibrillation occurs. Atrial fibrillation promotes thrombus formation within the atria with an increased risk of stroke and requires treatment with cardioversion, antidysrhythmics, and/or anticoagulants. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that interferes with hepatic synthesis of vitamin K-dependent clotting factors.

A postoperative patient asks the nurse why the physician ordered daily administration of enoxaparin (Lovenox). Which reply by the nurse is most appropriate? "This medication will help prevent breathing problems after surgery, such as pneumonia." "This medication will help lower your blood pressure to a safer level, which is very important after surgery." "This medication will help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs until your level of activity, such as walking, returns to normal." "This medication is a narcotic pain medication that will help take away any muscle aches caused by positioning on the operating room table."

"This medication will help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs until your level of activity, such as walking, returns to normal." Enoxaparin is an anticoagulant that is used to prevent DVTs postoperatively. All other explanations/options do not describe the action/purpose of enoxaparin.

A patient with varicose veins has been prescribed compression stockings. How should the nurse teach the patient to use these? "Try to keep your stockings on 24 hours a day, as much as possible." "While you're still lying in bed in the morning, put on your stockings." "Dangle your feet at your bedside for 5 minutes before putting on your stockings." "Your stockings will be most effective if you can remove them for a few minutes several times a day."

"While you're still lying in bed in the morning, put on your stockings." The patient with varicose veins should apply stockings in bed, before rising in the morning. Stockings should not be worn continuously, but they should not be removed several times daily. Dangling at the bedside prior to application is likely to decrease their effectiveness.

A 25-year-old patient with a group A streptococcal pharyngitis does not want to take the antibiotics prescribed. What should the nurse tell the patient to encourage the patient to take the medications and avoid complications of the infection? "The complications of this infection will affect the skin, hair, and balance." "You will not feel well if you do not take the medicine and get over this infection." "Without treatment, you could get rheumatic fever, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease." "You may not want to take the antibiotics for this infection, but you will be sorry if you do not."

"Without treatment, you could get rheumatic fever, which can lead to rheumatic heart disease." Rheumatic fever (RF) is not common because of effective use of antibiotics to treat streptococcal infections. Without treatment, RF can occur and lead to rheumatic heart disease, especially in young adults. The complications do not include hair or balance. Saying that the patient will not feel well or that the patient will be sorry if the antibiotics are not taken is threatening to the patient and inappropriate for the nurse to say.

The nurse is caring for a patient with a recent history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The patient now needs to undergo surgery for appendicitis. The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for this patient before administering an ordered dose of vitamin K. The nurse determines that the medication is both safe to give and is most needed when the international normalized ratio (INR) is which result? 1.0 1.2 1.6 2.2

2.2 Vitamin K is the antidote to warfarin (Coumadin), which the patient has most likely been taking before admission for treatment of DVT. Warfarin is an anticoagulant that impairs the ability of the blood to clot. Therefore it is necessary to give vitamin K before surgery to reduce the risk of hemorrhage. The largest value of the INR indicates the greatest impairment of clotting ability, making 2.2 the correct selection.

Which person should the nurse identify as having the highest risk for abdominal aortic aneurysm? A 70-year-old male, with high cholesterol and hypertension A 40-year-old female with obesity and metabolic syndrome A 60-year-old male with renal insufficiency who is physically inactive A 65-year-old female with hyperhomocysteinemia and substance abuse

A 70-year-old male, with high cholesterol and hypertension The most common etiology of descending abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is atherosclerosis. Male gender, age 65 years or older, and tobacco use are the major risk factors for AAAs of atherosclerotic origin. Other risk factors include the presence of coronary or peripheral artery disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

A nurse is caring for a patient with a diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis (DVT). The patient has an order to receive 30 mg enoxaparin (Lovenox). Which injection site should the nurse use to administer this medication safely? Buttock, upper outer quadrant Abdomen, anterior-lateral aspect Back of the arm, 2 inches away from a mole Anterolateral thigh, with no scar tissue nearby

Abdomen, anterior-lateral aspect Enoxaparin (Lovenox) is a low-molecular-weight (LMW) heparin that is given as a deep subcutaneous injection in the right and left anterolateral abdomen. All subcutaneous injections should be given away from scars, lesions, or moles.

A 39-year-old woman with a history of smoking and oral contraceptive use is admitted with a venous thromboembolism (VTE) and prescribed unfractionated heparin. What laboratory test should the nurse review to evaluate the expected effect of the heparin? Platelet count Activated clotting time (ACT) International normalized ratio (INR) Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT)

Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) Unfractionated heparin can be given by continuous IV for VTE treatment. When given IV, heparin requires frequent laboratory monitoring of clotting status as measured by activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). Platelet counts can decrease as an adverse reaction to heparin, but that is not the expected effect.

The nurse is administering a dose of digoxin (Lanoxin) to a patient with heart failure (HF). The nurse would become concerned with the possibility of digitalis toxicity if the patient reported which symptom(s)? Muscle aches Constipation Pounding headache Anorexia and nausea

Anorexia and nausea Anorexia, nausea, vomiting, blurred or yellow vision, and cardiac dysrhythmias are all signs of digitalis toxicity. The nurse would become concerned and notify the health care provider if the patient exhibited any of these symptoms.

A patient admitted with heart failure appears very anxious and complains of shortness of breath. Which nursing actions would be appropriate to alleviate this patient's anxiety (select all that apply)? Administer ordered morphine sulfate. Position patient in a semi-Fowler's position. Position patient on left side with head of bed flat. Instruct patient on the use of relaxation techniques. Use a calm, reassuring approach while talking to patient.

Administer ordered morphine sulfate Position patient in a semi-Fowler's position. Instruct patient on the use of relaxation techniques Use a calm, reassuring approach while talking to patient. Morphine sulfate reduces anxiety and may assist in reducing dyspnea. The patient should be positioned in semi-Fowler's position to improve ventilation that will reduce anxiety. Relaxation techniques and a calm reassuring approach will also serve to reduce anxiety.

The patient had a history of rheumatic fever and has been diagnosed with mitral valve stenosis. The patient is planning to have a biologic valve replacement. What protective mechanisms should the nurse teach the patient about using after the valve replacement? Long-term anticoagulation therapy Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental care Exercise plan to increase cardiac tolerance Take β-adrenergic blockers to control palpitations.

Antibiotic prophylaxis for dental care The patient will need to use antibiotic prophylaxis for dental care to prevent endocarditis. Long-term anticoagulation therapy is not used with biologic valve replacement unless the patient has atrial fibrillation. An exercise plan to increase cardiac tolerance is needed for a patient with heart failure. Taking β-adrenergic blockers to control palpitations is prescribed for mitral valve prolapse, not valve replacement.

A 54-year-old male patient who had bladder surgery 2 days ago develops acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) with severe dyspnea. Which action by the nurse would be indicated first? Perform a bladder scan to assess for urinary retention. Restrict the patient's oral fluid intake to 500 mL per day. Assist the patient to a sitting position with arms on the overbed table. Instruct the patient to use pursed-lip breathing until the dyspnea subsides.

Assist the patient to a sitting position with arms on the overbed table. The nurse should place the patient with ADHF in a high Fowler's position with the feet horizontal in the bed or dangling at the bedside. This position helps decrease venous return because of the pooling of blood in the extremities. This position also increases the thoracic capacity, allowing for improved ventilation. Pursed-lip breathing helps with obstructive air trapping but not with acute pulmonary edema. Restricting fluids takes considerable time to have an effect.

A female patient with critical limb ischemia has had peripheral artery bypass surgery to improve her circulation. What care should the nurse provide on postoperative day 1? Keep the patient on bed rest. Assist the patient with walking several times. Have the patient sit in the chair several times. Place the patient on her side with knees flexed.

Assist the patient with walking several times. To avoid blockage of the graft or stent, the patient should walk several times on postoperative day 1 and subsequent days. Having the patient's knees flexed for sitting in a chair or in bed increase the risk of venous thrombosis and may place stress on the suture lines.

What is the priority assessment by the nurse caring for a patient receiving IV nesiritide (Natrecor) to treat heart failure? Urine output Lung sounds Blood pressure Respiratory rate

Blood pressure Although all identified assessments are appropriate for a patient receiving IV nesiritide, the priority assessment would be monitoring for hypotension, the main adverse effect of nesiritide.

A stable patient with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) suddenly becomes dyspneic. Before positioning the patient on the bedside, what should the nurse assess first? Urine output Heart rhythm Breath sounds Blood pressure

Blood pressure The nurse should evaluate the blood pressure before dangling the patient on the bedside because the blood pressure can decrease as blood pools in the periphery and preload decreases. If the patient's blood pressure is low or marginal, the nurse should put the patient in the semi-Fowler's position and use other measures to improve gas exchange.

A 40-year-old man tells the nurse he has a diagnosis for the color and temperature changes of his limbs but can't remember the name of it. He says he must stop smoking and avoid trauma and exposure of his limbs to cold temperatures to get better. This description should allow the nurse to ask the patient if he has which diagnosis? Buerger's disease Venous thrombosis Acute arterial ischemia Raynaud's phenomenon

Buerger's disease Buerger's disease is a nonatherosclerotic, segmental, recurrent inflammatory disorder of small and medium-sized veins and arteries of upper and lower extremities leading to color and temperature changes of the limbs, intermittent claudication, rest pain, and ischemic ulcerations. It primarily occurs in men younger than 45 years old with a long history of tobacco and/or marijuana use. Buerger's disease treatment includes smoking cessation, trauma and cold temperature avoidance, and a walking program. Venous thrombosis is the formation of a thrombus in association with inflammation of the vein. Acute arterial ischemia is a sudden interruption in arterial blood flow to a tissue caused by embolism, thrombosis, or trauma. Raynaud's phenomenon is characterized by vasospasm-induced color changes of the fingers, toes, ears, and nose.

Beyond the first year after a heart transplant, the nurse knows that what is a major cause of death? Infection Acute rejection Immunosuppression Cardiac vasculopathy

Cardiac vasculopathy Beyond the first year after a heart transplant, malignancy (especially lymphoma) and cardiac vasculopathy (accelerated CAD) are the major causes of death. During the first year after transplant, infection and acute rejection are the major causes of death. Immunosuppressive therapy will be used for posttransplant management to prevent rejection and increases the patient's risk of an infection.

The nurse is caring for a patient who has been receiving warfarin (Coumadin) and digoxin (Lanoxin) as treatment for atrial fibrillation. Because the warfarin has been discontinued before surgery, the nurse should diligently assess the patient for which complication early in the postoperative period until the medication is resumed? Decreased cardiac output Increased blood pressure Cerebral or pulmonary emboli Excessive bleeding from incision or IV sites

Cerebral or pulmonary emboli Warfarin is an anticoagulant that is used to prevent thrombi from forming on the walls of the atria during atrial fibrillation. Once the medication is terminated, thrombi could again form. If one or more thrombi detach from the atrial wall, they could travel as cerebral emboli from the left atrium or pulmonary emboli from the right atrium.

A male patient with a long-standing history of heart failure has recently qualified for hospice care. What measure should the nurse now prioritize when providing care for this patient? Taper the patient off his current medications. Continue education for the patient and his family. Pursue experimental therapies or surgical options. Choose interventions to promote comfort and prevent suffering.

Choose interventions to promote comfort and prevent suffering. The central focus of hospice care is the promotion of comfort and the prevention of suffering. Patient education should continue, but providing comfort is paramount. Medications should be continued unless they are not tolerated. Experimental therapies and surgeries are not commonly used in the care of hospice patients.

The patient had myocarditis and is now experiencing fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and dyspnea at rest. The nurse assesses pulmonary crackles, edema, and weak peripheral pulses. Sinoatrial tachycardia is evident on the cardiac monitor. The Doppler echocardiography shows dilated cardiomyopathy. What collaborative and nursing care of this patient should be done to improve cardiac output and the quality of life? (Select all that apply.) Decrease preload and afterload. Relieve left ventricular outflow obstruction. Control heart failure by enhancing myocardial contractility. Improve diastolic filling and the underlying disease process. Improve ventricular filling by reducing ventricular contractility.

Decrease preload and afterload. Control heart failure by enhancing myocardial contractility. The patient is experiencing dilated cardiomyopathy. To improve cardiac output and quality of life, drug, nutrition, and cardiac rehabilitation will be focused on controlling heart failure by decreasing preload and afterload and improving cardiac output, which will improve the quality of life. Relief of left ventricular outflow obstruction and improving ventricular filling by reducing ventricular contractility is done for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. There are no specific treatments for restrictive cardiomyopathy, but interventions are aimed at improving diastolic filling and the underlying disease process.

A 55-year-old female patient develops acute pericarditis after a myocardial infarction. It is most important for the nurse to assess for which clinical manifestation of a possible complication? Presence of a pericardial friction rub Distant and muffled apical heart sounds Increased chest pain with deep breathing Decreased blood pressure with tachycardia

Decreased blood pressure with tachycardia Cardiac tamponade is a serious complication of acute pericarditis. Signs and symptoms indicating cardiac tamponade include narrowed pulse pressure, tachypnea, tachycardia, a decreased cardiac output, and decreased blood pressure. The other symptoms are consistent with acute pericarditis.

A patient with a diagnosis of heart failure has been started on a nitroglycerin patch by his primary care provider. What should this patient be taught to avoid? High-potassium foods Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs Over-the-counter H2-receptor blockers

Drugs to treat erectile dysfunction The use of erectile drugs concurrent with nitrates creates a risk of severe hypotension and possibly death. High-potassium foods, NSAIDs, and H2-receptor blockers do not pose a risk in combination with nitrates.

When the patient is being examined for venous thromboembolism (VTE) in the calf, what diagnostic test should the nurse expect to teach the patient about first? Duplex ultrasound Contrast venography Magnetic resonance venography Computed tomography venography

Duplex ultrasound The duplex ultrasound is the most widely used test to diagnose VTE. Contrast venography is rarely used now. Magnetic resonance venography is less accurate for calf veins than pelvic and proximal veins. Computed tomography venography may be used but is invasive and much more expensive than the duplex ultrasound.

While doing an admission assessment, the nurse notes clubbing of the patient's fingers. Based on this finding, the nurse will question the patient about which disease process? Endocarditis Acute kidney injury Myocardial infarction Chronic thrombophlebitis

Endocarditis Clubbing of the fingers is a loss of the normal angle between the base of the nail and the skin. This finding can be found in endocarditis, congenital defects, and/or prolonged oxygen deficiency. Clinical manifestations of acute kidney injury, myocardial infarction, and chronic thrombophlebitis will not include clubbing of the fingers.

A 73-year-old man with dementia has a venous ulcer related to chronic venous insufficiency. The nurse should provide education on which type of diet for this patient and his caregiver? Low-fat diet High-protein diet Calorie-restricted diet High-carbohydrate diet

High-protein diet A patient with a venous ulcer should have a balanced diet with adequate protein, calories, and micronutrients; this type of diet is essential for healing. Nutrients most important for healing include protein, vitamins A and C, and zinc. Foods high in protein (e.g., meat, beans, cheese, tofu), vitamin A (green leafy vegetables), vitamin C (citrus fruits, tomatoes, cantaloupe), and zinc (meat, seafood) must be provided. Restricting fat or calories is not helpful for wound healing or in patients of normal weight. For overweight individuals with no active venous ulcer, a weight-loss diet should be considered.

What should the nurse recognize as an indication for the use of dopamine (Intropin) in the care of a patient with heart failure? Acute anxiety Hypotension and tachycardia Peripheral edema and weight gain Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea (PND)

Hypotension and tachycardia Dopamine is a β-adrenergic agonist whose inotropic action is used for treatment of severe heart failure accompanied by hemodynamic instability. Such a state may be indicated by tachycardia accompanied by hypotension. PND, anxiety, edema, and weight gain are common signs and symptoms of heart failure, but these do not necessarily warrant the use of dopamine.

A 32-year-old female is prescribed diltiazem (Cardizem) for Raynaud's phenomenon. To evaluate the patient's expected response to this medication, what is most important for the nurse to assess? Improved skin turgor Decreased cardiac rate Improved finger perfusion Decreased mean arterial pressure

Improved finger perfusion Raynaud's phenomenon is an episodic vasospastic disorder of small cutaneous arteries, most frequently involving the fingers and toes. Diltiazem (Cardizem) is a calcium channel blocker that relaxes smooth muscles of the arterioles by blocking the influx of calcium into the cells, thus reducing the frequency and severity of vasospastic attacks. Perfusion to the fingertips is improved and vasospastic attacks reduced. Diltiazem may decrease heart rate and blood pressure, but that is not the purpose in Raynaud's phenomenon. Skin turgor is most often a reflection of hydration status.

The nurse is caring for a newly admitted patient with vascular insufficiency. The patient has a new order for enoxaparin (Lovenox) 30 mg subcutaneously. What should the nurse do to correctly administer this medication? Spread the skin before inserting the needle. Leave the air bubble in the prefilled syringe. Use the back of the arm as the preferred site. Sit the patient at a 30-degree angle before administration.

Leave the air bubble in the prefilled syringe. The nurse should not expel the air bubble from the prefilled syringe because it should be injected to clear the needle of medication and avoid leaving medication in the needle track in the tissue.

The patient has heart failure (HF) with an ejection fraction of less than 40%. What core measures should the nurse expect to include in the plan of care for this patient (select all that apply)? Left ventricular function is documented. Controlling dysrhythmias will eliminate HF. Prescription for digoxin (Lanoxin) at discharge Prescription for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor at discharge Education materials about activity, medications, weight monitoring, and what to do if symptoms worsen

Left ventricular function is documented. Prescription for angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor at discharge Education materials about activity, medications, weight monitoring, and what to do if symptoms worsen The Joint Commission has identified these three core measures for heart failure patients. Although controlling dysrhythmias will improve CO and workload, it will not eliminate HF. Prescribing digoxin for all HF patients is no longer done because there are newer effective drugs and digoxin toxicity occurs easily related to electrolyte levels and the therapeutic range must be maintained.

A 72-year-old man with a history of aortic stenosis is admitted to the emergency department. He reports severe left-sided chest pressure radiating to the jaw. Which medication, if ordered by the health care provider, should the nurse question? Aspirin Oxygen Nitroglycerin Morphine sulfate

Nitroglycerin Aspirin, oxygen, nitroglycerin, and morphine sulfate are all commonly used to treat acute chest pain suspected to be caused by myocardial ischemia. However, nitroglycerin should be used cautiously or avoided in patients with aortic stenosis as a significant reduction in blood pressure may occur. Chest pain can worsen because of a drop in blood pressure.

The patient with pericarditis is complaining of chest pain. After assessment, which intervention should the nurse expect to implement to provide pain relief? Corticosteroids Morphine sulfate Proton pump inhibitor Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs

Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will control pain and inflammation. Corticosteroids are reserved for patients already taking corticosteroids for autoimmune conditions or those who do not respond to NSAIDs. Morphine is not necessary. Proton pump inhibitors are used to decrease stomach acid to avoid the risk of GI bleeding from the NSAIDs.

When caring for a patient with infective endocarditis, the nurse will assess the patient for which vascular manifestations (select all that apply)? Osler's nodes Janeway's lesions Splinter hemorrhages Subcutaneous nodules Erythema marginatum lesions

Osler's nodes Janeway's lesions Splinter hemorrhages Osler's nodes, Janeway's lesions, and splinter hemorrhages are all vascular manifestations of infective endocarditis. Subcutaneous nodules and erythema marginatum lesions occur with rheumatic fever.

The nurse would determine that a postoperative patient is not receiving the beneficial effects of enoxaparin (Lovenox) after noting what during a routine shift assessment? Generalized weakness and fatigue Crackles bilaterally in the lung bases Pain and swelling in lower extremity Abdominal pain with decreased bowel sounds

Pain and swelling in lower extremity Enoxaparin is a low-molecular-weight heparin used to prevent the development of deep vein thromboses (DVTs) in the postoperative period. Pain and swelling in the lower extremity can indicate development of DVT and therefore may signal ineffective medication therapy.

A patient was just diagnosed with acute arterial ischemia in the left leg secondary to atrial fibrillation. Which early clinical manifestation must be reported to the physician immediately to save the patient's limb? Paralysis Paresthesia Crampiness Referred pain

Paresthesia The physician must be notified immediately if any of the six Ps of acute arterial ischemia occur to prevent ischemia from quickly progressing to tissue necrosis and gangrene. The six Ps are paresthesia, pain, pallor, pulselessness, and poikilothermia, with paralysis being a very late sign indicating the death of nerves to the extremity. Crampy leg sensation is more common with varicose veins. The pain is not referred.

A 67-year-old man with peripheral artery disease is seen in the primary care clinic. Which symptom reported by the patient would indicate to the nurse that the patient is experiencing intermittent claudication? Patient complains of chest pain with strenuous activity. Patient says muscle leg pain occurs with continued exercise. Patient has numbness and tingling of all his toes and both feet. Patient states the feet become red if he puts them in a dependent position.

Patient says muscle leg pain occurs with continued exercise. Intermittent claudication is an ischemic muscle ache or pain that is precipitated by a consistent level of exercise, resolves within 10 minutes or less with rest, and is reproducible. Angina is the term used to describe chest pain with exertion. Paresthesia is the term used to describe numbness or tingling in the toes or feet. Reactive hyperemia is the term used to describe redness of the foot; if the limb is in a dependent position the term is dependent rubor.

An 80-year-old patient with uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus is diagnosed with aortic stenosis. When conservative therapy is no longer effective, the nurse knows that the patient will need to do or have what done? Aortic valve replacement Take nitroglycerin for chest pain. Open commissurotomy (valvulotomy) procedure Percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV) procedure

Percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV) procedure The percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV) procedure is best for this older adult patient who is a poor surgery candidate related to the uncontrolled type 1 diabetes mellitus. Aortic valve replacement would probably not be tolerated well by this patient, although it may be done if the PTBV fails and the diabetes is controlled in the future. Nitroglycerin is used cautiously for chest pain because it can reduce BP and worsen chest pain in patients with aortic stenosis. Open commissurotomy procedure is used for mitral stenosis.

The nurse is preparing to administer a scheduled dose of enoxaparin (Lovenox) 30 mg subcutaneously. What should the nurse do to administer this medication correctly? Remove the air bubble in the prefilled syringe. Aspirate before injection to prevent IV administration. Rub the injection site after administration to enhance absorption. Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger before inserting the needle.

Pinch the skin between the thumb and forefinger before inserting the needle. The nurse should gather together or "bunch up" the skin between the thumb and the forefinger before inserting the needle into the subcutaneous tissue. The nurse should not remove the air bubble in the prefilled syringe, aspirate, nor rub the site after injection.

While admitting a patient with pericarditis, the nurse will assess for what manifestations of this disorder? Pulsus paradoxus Prolonged PR intervals Widened pulse pressure Clubbing of the fingers

Pulsus paradoxus Pericarditis can lead to cardiac tamponade, an emergency situation. Pulsus paradoxus greater than 10 mm Hg is a sign of cardiac tamponade that should be assessed at least every 4 hours in a patient with pericarditis. Prolonged PR intervals occur with first-degree AV block. Widened pulse pressure occurs with valvular heart disease. Clubbing of fingers may occur in subacute forms of infective endocarditis and valvular heart disease.

The nurse is teaching a community group about preventing rheumatic fever. What information should the nurse include? Prompt recognition and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis Completion of 4 to 6 days of antibiotic therapy for infective endocarditis of respiratory infections in children born with heart defects Avoidance of respiratory infections in children who have rheumatoid arthritis Requesting antibiotics before dental surgery for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

Prompt recognition and treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis The nurse should emphasize the need for prompt and adequate treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis infection, which can lead to the complication of rheumatic fever.

The nurse is caring for a preoperative patient who has an order for vitamin K by subcutaneous injection. The nurse should verify that which laboratory study is abnormal before administering the dose? Hematocrit (Hct) Hemoglobin (Hgb) Prothrombin time (PT) Partial thromboplastin time (PTT)

Prothrombin time (PT) Vitamin K counteracts hypoprothrombinemia and/or reverses the effects of warfarin (Coumadin) and thus decreases the risk of bleeding. High values for either the prothrombin time (PT) or the international normalized ratio (INR) demonstrates the need for this medication.

What medications should the nurse expect to include in the teaching plan to decrease the risk of cardiovascular events and death for PAD patients (select all that apply)? Ramipril (Altace) Cilostazol (Pletal) Simvastatin (Zocor) Clopidogrel (Plavix) Warfarin (Coumadin) Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

Ramipril (Altace) Simvastatin (Zocor) Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ramipril [Altace]) are used to control hypertension. Statins (e.g., simvastatin [Zocor]) are used for lipid management. Aspirin is used as an antiplatelet agent. Cilostazol (Pletal) is used for intermittent claudication, but it does not reduce CVD morbidity and mortality risks. Clopidogrel may be used if the patient cannot tolerate aspirin. Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin [Coumadin]) are not recommended to prevent CVD events in PAD patients.

A patient with a recent diagnosis of heart failure has been prescribed furosemide (Lasix) in an effort to physiologically do what for the patient? Reduce preload. Decrease afterload. Increase contractility. Promote vasodilation.

Reduce preload. Diuretics such as furosemide are used in the treatment of HF to mobilize edematous fluid, reduce pulmonary venous pressure, and reduce preload. They do not directly influence afterload, contractility, or vessel tone.

The nurse conducts a complete physical assessment on a patient admitted with infective endocarditis. Which finding is significant? Respiratory rate of 18 and heart rate of 90 Regurgitant murmur at the mitral valve area Heart rate of 94 and capillary refill time of 2 seconds Point of maximal impulse palpable in fourth intercostal space

Regurgitant murmur at the mitral valve area A regurgitant murmur of the aortic or mitral valves would indicate valvular disease, which is a complication of endocarditis. All the other findings are within normal limits.

Assessment of a patient's peripheral IV site reveals that phlebitis has developed over the past several hours. Which intervention should the nurse implement first? Remove the patient's IV catheter. Apply an ice pack to the affected area. Decrease the IV rate to 20 to 30 mL/hr. Administer prophylactic anticoagulants.

Remove the patient's IV catheter. The priority intervention for superficial phlebitis is removal of the offending IV catheter. Decreasing the IV rate is insufficient. Anticoagulants are not normally required, and warm, moist heat is often therapeutic.

The patient has CVI and a venous ulcer. The unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) decides to apply compression stockings because that is what these patients always have ordered. What assessment by the nurse would cause the application of compression stockings to harm the patient? Rest pain High blood pressure Elevated blood sugar Dry, itchy, flaky skin

Rest pain Rest pain occurs as peripheral artery disease (PAD) progresses and involves multiple arterial segments. Compression stockings should not be used on patients with PAD. Elevated blood glucose, possibly indicating uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, and hypertension may or may not indicate arterial problems. Dry, itchy, flaky skin indicates venous insufficiency. The RN should be the one to obtain the order and instruct the UAP to apply compression stockings if they are ordered.

After having an MI, the nurse notes the patient has jugular venous distention, gained weight, developed peripheral edema, and has a heart rate of 108/minute. What should the nurse suspect is happening? ADHF Chronic HF Left-sided HF Right-sided HF

Right-sided HF An MI is a primary cause of heart failure. The jugular venous distention, weight gain, peripheral edema, and increased heart rate are manifestations of right-sided heart failure.

The nurse prepares to administer digoxin (Lanoxin) 0.125 mg to an 82-year-old man admitted with influenza and a history of chronic heart failure. What should the nurse assess before giving the medication? Prothrombin time Urine specific gravity Serum potassium level Hemoglobin and hematocrit

Serum potassium level Serum potassium should be monitored because hypokalemia increases the risk for digoxin toxicity. Changes in prothrombin time, urine specific gravity, and hemoglobin or hematocrit would not require holding the digoxin dose.

The home care nurse visits a 73-year-old Hispanic woman with chronic heart failure. Which clinical manifestations, if assessed by the nurse, would indicate acute decompensated heart failure (pulmonary edema)? Fatigue, orthopnea, and dependent edema Severe dyspnea and blood-streaked, frothy sputum Temperature is 100.4o F and pulse is 102 beats/minute Respirations 26 breaths/minute despite oxygen by nasal cannula

Severe dyspnea and blood-streaked, frothy sputum Clinical manifestations of pulmonary edema include anxiety, pallor, cyanosis, clammy and cold skin, severe dyspnea, use of accessory muscles of respiration, a respiratory rate > 30 breaths per minute, orthopnea, wheezing, and coughing with the production of frothy, blood-tinged sputum. Auscultation of the lungs may reveal crackles, wheezes, and rhonchi throughout the lungs. The heart rate is rapid, and blood pressure may be elevated or decreased.

A 62-year-old Hispanic male patient with diabetes mellitus has been diagnosed with peripheral artery disease (PAD). The patient is a smoker and has a history of gout. What should the nurse focus her teaching on to prevent complications for this patient? Gender Smoking Ethnicity Co-morbidities

Smoking Smoking is the most significant factor for this patient. PAD is a marker of advanced systemic atherosclerosis. Therefore tobacco cessation is essential to reduce PAD progression, CVD events, and mortality. Diabetes mellitus and hyperuricemia are also risk factors. Being male or Hispanic are not risk factors for PAD.

The patient with chronic heart failure is being discharged from the hospital. What information should the nurse emphasize in the patient's discharge teaching to prevent progression of the disease to ADHF? Take medications as prescribed. Use oxygen when feeling short of breath. Only ask the physician's office questions. Encourage most activity in the morning when rested.

Take medications as prescribed. The goal for the patient with chronic HF is to avoid exacerbations and hospitalization. Taking the medications as prescribed along with nondrug therapies such as alternating activity with rest will help the patient meet this goal. If the patient needs to use oxygen at home, it will probably be used all the time or with activity to prevent respiratory acidosis. Many HF patients are monitored by a care manager or in a transitional program to assess the patient for medication effectiveness and monitor for patient deterioration and encourage the patient. This nurse manager can be asked questions or can contact the health care provider if there is evidence of worsening HF.

What nursing action should the nurse prioritize during the care of a patient who has recently recovered from rheumatic fever? Teach the patient how to manage his or her physical activity. Teach the patient about the need for ongoing anticoagulation. Teach the patient about the need for continuous antibiotic prophylaxis. Teach the patient about the need to maintain standard infection control procedures.

Teach the patient about the need for continuous antibiotic prophylaxis. Patients with a history of rheumatic fever frequently require ongoing antibiotic prophylaxis, an intervention that necessitates education. This consideration is more important than activity management in preventing recurrence. Anticoagulation is not indicated in this patient population. Standard precautions are indicated for all patients.

What is a priority nursing intervention in the care of a patient with a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)? Application of topical antibiotics to venous ulcers Maintaining the patient's legs in a dependent position Administration of oral and/or subcutaneous anticoagulants Teaching the patient the correct use of compression stockings

Teaching the patient the correct use of compression stockings CVI requires conscientious and consistent application of compression stockings. Anticoagulants are not necessarily indicated and antibiotics, if required, are typically oral or IV, not topical. The patient should avoid prolonged positioning with the limb in a dependent position.

The patient had aortic aneurysm repair. What priority nursing action will the nurse use to maintain graft patency? Assess output for renal dysfunction. Use IV fluids to maintain adequate BP. Use oral antihypertensives to maintain cardiac output. Maintain a low BP to prevent pressure on surgical site

Use IV fluids to maintain adequate BP. The priority is to maintain an adequate BP (determined by the surgeon) to maintain graft patency. A prolonged low BP may result in graft thrombosis, and hypertension may cause undue stress on arterial anastomoses resulting in leakage of blood or rupture at the suture lines, which is when IV antihypertensives may be used. Renal output will be assessed when the aneurysm repair is above the renal arteries to assess graft patency, not maintain it.

The patient reports tenderness when she touches her leg over a vein. The nurse assesses warmth and a palpable cord in the area. The nurse knows the patient needs treatment to prevent which sequelae? Pulmonary embolism Pulmonary hypertension Post-thrombotic syndrome Venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism The clinical manifestations are characteristic of a superficial vein thrombosis. If untreated, the clot may extend to deeper veins, and venous thromboembolism may occur. Pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension, and post-thrombotic syndrome are the sequelae of venous thromboembolism.

The nurse is admitting a 68-year-old preoperative patient with a suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). The medication history reveals that the patient has been taking warfarin (Coumadin) on a daily basis. Based on this history and the patient's admission diagnosis, the nurse should prepare to administer which medication? Vitamin K Cobalamin Heparin sodium Protamine sulfate

Vitamin K Coumadin is a Vitamin K antagonist anticoagulant that could cause excessive bleeding during surgery if clotting times are not corrected before surgery. For this reason, vitamin K is given as the antidote for warfarin (Coumadin).

The nurse is preparing to administer digoxin to a patient with heart failure. In preparation, laboratory results are reviewed with the following findings: sodium 139 mEq/L, potassium 5.6 mEq/L, chloride 103 mEq/L, and glucose 106 mg/dL. What should the nurse donext? Withhold the daily dose until the following day. Withhold the dose and report the potassium level. Give the digoxin with a salty snack, such as crackers. Give the digoxin with extra fluids to dilute the sodium level.

Withhold the dose and report the potassium level. The normal potassium level is 3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L. The patient is hyperkalemic, which makes the patient more prone to digoxin toxicity. For this reason, the nurse should withhold the dose and report the potassium level. The physician may order the digoxin to be given once the potassium level has been treated and decreases to within normal range.