Med Surg PrepU ch 25 Management of Patients with Complications of Heart Disease

The nurse is administering digoxin to a client with heart failure. What laboratory value may predispose the client to digoxin toxicity?

potassium level of 2.8 mEq/L Explanation: Conditions that may predispose a client to digoxin toxicity include hypokalemia (evidenced by a potassium level less than 3.5 mEq/L), hypomagnesemia (evidenced by a magnesium level less than 1.5 mEq/L), hypothyroidism, hypoxemia, advanced myocardial disease, active myocardial ischemia, and altered autonomic tone.

A client with a history of an anterior wall myocardial infarction is being transferred from the coronary care unit (CCU) to the cardiac step-down unit (CSU). While giving a report to the CSU nurse, the CCU nurse says, "His pulmonary artery wedge pressures have been in the high normal range." What additional assessment information would be important for the CSU nurse to obtain?

pulmonary crackles

A client has had an echocardiogram to measure ejection fraction. The nurse explains that ejection fraction is the percentage of blood the left ventricle ejects upon contraction. What is the typical percentage of blood a healthy heart ejects?

55% Explanation: Normally, a healthy heart ejects 55% or more of the blood that fills the left ventricle during diastole

A client in the emergency room is in cardiac arrest and exhibiting pulseless electrical activity (PEA) on the cardiac monitor. What will be the nurse's next action?

Administer epinephrine. Explanation: PEA can be caused by hypovolemia, hypoxia, hypothermia, hyperkalemia, massive pulmonary embolism, myocardial infarction, and medication overdose (beta blockers, calcium channel blockers). PEA is treated with epinephrine according to advanced life support protocol.

The nurse is teaching a group of clients with heart failure about how to decrease leg edema. What dietary advice will the nurse give to clients with severe heart failure?

Avoid the intake of processed and commercially prepared foods

A health care provider in the outpatient department examines a client with chronic heart failure to investigate recent-onset peripheral edema and increased shortness of breath. The nurse documents the severity of pitting edema as +1. What is the best description of this type of edema?

Barely detectable depression when the thumb is released from the swollen area; normal foot and leg contours Explanation: Pitting edema is documented as a +1 when a depression is barely detectable on release of thumb pressure and when foot and leg contours are normal. -A detectable depression of less than 5 mm accompanied by normal leg and foot contours warrants a +2 rating. -A deeper depression (5 to 10 mm) accompanied by foot and leg swelling is evaluated as +3. -An even deeper depression (more than 1 cm) accompanied by severe foot and leg swelling rates a +4.

A client has been prescribed furosemide 80 mg twice daily. The asymptomatic client begins to have rare premature ventricular contractions followed by runs of bigeminy with stable signs. What action will the nurse perform next?

Check the client's potassium level. Explanation: The client is asymptomatic but has had a change in heart rhythm. More information is needed before calling the health care provider. Because the client is taking furosemide, a potassium-wasting diuretic, the next action would be to check the client's potassium level. The nurse would then call the health care provider with a more complete database. The health care provider will need to be notified after the nurse checks the latest potassium level.

The nurse is preparing a client for a multiple gated acquisition (MUGA) scan. What would be an important instruction for the nurse to give a client who is to undergo a MUGA scan?

Lie very still at intermittent times during the test. Explanation: The nurse should instruct the client, who is to undergo a MUGA scan, to lie very still at intermittent times during the 45-minute test. The client need not drink plenty of fluids, avoid activities before/after the test, or avoid dairy products during the test.

Which is a manifestation of right-sided heart failure?

Right-sided heart failure causes systemic venous congestion and a reduction in forward flow. Left-sided heart failure causes an accumulation of blood in the lungs and a reduction in forward flow or cardiac output that results in inadequate arterial blood flow to the tissues. -Some clients with left-sided heart failure get episodes of dyspnea at night, known as paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea

The nurse is providing care to a client with cardiogenic shock requiring a intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP). What is the therapeutic effect of the IABP therapy?

decreased left ventricular workload Explanation: The signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock reflect the circular nature of the pathophysiology of HF. The therapeutic effect is decreased left ventricular workload.

The nurse is assigned to care for a client with heart failure. What medication does the nurse anticipate administering that will improve client symptoms as well as increase survival?

lisinopril Explanation: Several medications are routinely prescribed for heart failure (HF), including angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors such as lisinopril, beta-blockers, and diuretics such as bumetanide. Many of these medications, particularly ACE inhibitors and beta-blockers, improve symptoms and extend survival.

The nurse assists the client to the bathroom, which is approximately 10 feet from the bed. The client ambulates 3 feet and states, "I cannot catch my breath." How would the nurse document this finding?

"Experiences exertional dyspnea when walking 3 feet; states, I cannot catch my breath."

A nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. The nurse knows that the client has left-sided heart failure when the client makes which statement?

"I sleep on three pillows each night."

The nurse instructs a client with heart failure on restricting sodium in the diet. Which client statement indicates that teaching was effective?

"Lemon juice and herbs can be used to replace salt when cooking." Explanation: For the client on a low-sodium or sodium-restricted diet, a variety of flavorings, such as lemon juice, vinegar, and herbs, may be used to improve the taste of the food and facilitate acceptance of the diet.

The nurse is developing a plan of care for a client following pericardiocentesis. Which interventions should the nurse implement? Choose all that apply.

-Assess vital signs every 15 minutes for the first hour. -Monitor heart and lung sounds. -Record fluid output. -Evaluate the cardiac rhythm.

A client has been diagnosed with systolic heart failure. What percentage will the nurse expect the patient's ejection fraction to be?

30% Explanation: The ejection fraction is normal in diastolic heart failure, but severely reduced in systolic heart failure. The normal EF is 55%-65%. An EF of 5% is not life sustaining and an EF of 30% is about half the normal percentage.

The nurse is performing a respiratory assessment for a patient in left-sided heart failure. What does the nurse understand is the best determinant of the patient's ventilation and oxygenation status?

Arterial blood gases Explanation: In left-sided heart failure, arterial blood gases may be obtained to assess ventilation and oxygenation.

The nurse understands that a client with which cardiac arrhythmia is most at risk for developing heart failure?

Atrial fibrillation Explanation: Cardiac dysrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation may either cause or result from heart failure; in both instances, the altered electrical stimulation impairs myocardial contraction and decreases the overall efficiency of myocardial function.

A client with pulmonary edema has been admitted to the ICU. What would be the standard care for this client?

BP and pulse measurements every 15 to 30 minutes Explanation: Bedside ECG monitoring is standard, as are continuous pulse oximetry, automatic BP, and pulse measurements approximately every 15 to 30 minutes.

A patient is undergoing a pericardiocentesis. Following withdrawal of pericardial fluid, which assessment by the nurse indicates that cardiac tamponade has been relieved?

Decrease in central venous pressure (CVP)

A client is exhibiting digitalis toxicity. Which of the following medications would the nurse expect to be ordered for this client?

Digoxin immune FAB Explanation: Digibind binds with digoxin and makes it unavailable for use. The digibind dosage is based on the digoxin level and the patient's weight.

Which is a cerebrovascular manifestation of heart failure?

Dizziness Explanation: Cerebrovascular manifestations of heart failure include dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety.

The nurse is obtaining data on an older adult client. What finding may indicate to the nurse the early symptom of heart failure?

Dyspnea on exertion Explanation: Left-sided heart failure produces hypoxemia as a result of reduced cardiac output of arterial blood and respiratory symptoms. Many clients notice unusual fatigue with activity. Some find exertional dyspnea to be the first symptom

The nurse is caring for a client with a history of heart failure and a sudden onset of tachypnea. What is the nurse's priority action?

Elevate the head of the bed. Explanation: The nurse's priority action is to elevate the head of bed to help with breathing.

A client has a significant history of congestive heart failure. What should the nurse specifically assess during the client's semiannual cardiology examination? Select all that apply.

Examine the client's neck for distended veins. Monitor the client for signs of lethargy or confusion.

A client with acute pericarditis is exhibiting distended jugular veins, tachycardia, tachypnea, and muffled heart sounds. The nurse recognizes these as symptoms of what occurrence?

Excess pericardial fluid compresses the heart and prevents adequate diastolic filling. Explanation: The cardinal signs of cardiac tamponade are falling systolic blood pressure, narrowing pulse pressure, rising venous pressure (increased JVD), and distant (muffled) heart sounds. -Increased pericardial pressure, reduced venous return to the heart, and decreased carbon dioxide result in cardiac tamponade (e.g., compression of the heart)

A nurse is administering digoxin. What client parameter would cause the nurse to hold the digoxin and notify the health care prescriber?

HR 55 BPM

A client with congestive heart failure is admitted to the hospital after reporting shortness of breath. How should the nurse position the client in order to decrease preload?

Head of the bed elevated 45 degrees and lower arms supported by pillows Explanation: Preload refers to the degree of stretch of the ventricular cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. The client is positioned or taught how to assume a position that facilitates breathing. The number of pillows may be increased, the head of the bed may be elevated, or the client may sit in a recliner. In these positions, the venous return to the heart (preload) is reduced, pulmonary congestion is alleviated, and pressure on the diaphragm is minimized

The nurse is preparing to administer hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate. When obtaining vital signs, the nurse notes that the blood pressure is 90/60. What is the priority action by the nurse?

Hold the medication and call the health care provider. Explanation: A combination of hydralazine and isosorbide dinitrate may be another alternative for patients who cannot take ACE inhibitors. Nitrates (e.g., isosorbide dinitrate) cause venous dilation, which reduces the amount of blood return to the heart and lowers preload. Hydralazine lowers systemic vascular resistance and left ventricular afterload.

The nurse is assessing a patient who reports no symptoms of heart failure at rest but is symptomatic with ordinary physical activity. Under what classification does the nurse understand this patient would be categorized?

II Explanation: Classification II of heart failure is indicated by the patient being comfortable at rest, but experiencing fatigue, palpitation, or dyspnea during ordinary physical activity.

Which New York Heart Association classification of heart failure has a poor prognosis and includes symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest?

IV Explanation: Symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest are classified as IV, according to the New York Heart Association Classification of Heart Failure. In class I, ordinary activity does not cause undue fatigue, dyspnea, palpitations, or chest pain. In class II, ADLs are slightly limited. In class III, ADLs are markedly limited.

The pathophysiology of pericardial effusion is associated with all of the following except:

Increased venous return. Explanation: Venous return is decreased (not increased) with Pericardial effusion because there is an increase in the pericardial fluid, which raises the pressure within the pericardial sac and compresses the heart. Increased right and left ventricular end-diastolic pressures, inability of the ventricles to fill adequately, and atrial compression are all effects of pericardial effusion.

A client diagnosed with pulmonary edema has a PaCO2 of 72 mm Hg and an oxygen saturation of 84%. What method of oxygen delivery would best meet the needs of this client?

Intubation and mechanical ventilation Explanation: The client's respiratory status is severely compromised and has developed signs of respiratory failure. When respiratory failure occurs, the client is intubated and oxygen is administered under continuous positive airway pressure or with mechanical ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure

Which is a characteristic of right-sided heart failure?

Jugular vein distention

The clinical manifestations of cardiogenic shock reflect the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). By applying this correlation, the nurse notes that the degree of shock is proportional to which of the following?

Left ventricular function Explanation: The signs and symptoms of cardiogenic shock reflect the circular nature of the pathophysiology of HF. The degree of shock is proportional to the extent of left ventricular dysfunction.

Which feature is the hallmark of systolic heart failure?

Low ejection fraction (EF) Explanation: A low EF is a hallmark of systolic heart failure (HF); the severity of HF is frequently classified according to the client's symptoms.

The client with cardiac failure is taught to report which symptom to the health care provider or clinic immediately?

Persistent cough Explanation: Persistent cough may indicate an onset of left-sided heart failure. Loss of appetite, weight gain, interrupted sleep, unusual shortness of breath, and increased swelling should also be reported immediately.

Which term describes the degree of stretch of the ventricular cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole?

Preload Explanation: Preload is the degree of stretch of the ventricular cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole. Afterload is the amount of resistance to ejection of blood from a ventricle. The ejection fraction is the percentage of blood volume in the ventricles at the end of diastole that is ejected during systole. Stroke volume is the amount of blood pumped out of the ventricle with each contraction.

A client with heart failure reports a sudden change in the ability to perceive colors. The client reports nausea, and assessment reveals an irregular pulse of 39 beats per minute. What is the nurse's best action?

Report the possibility of digitalis (digoxin) toxicity to the care provider promptly

The nurse recognizes which symptom as a classic sign of cardiogenic shock?

Restlessness and confusion Explanation: Cardiogenic shock occurs when decreased cardiac output leads to inadequate tissue perfusion and initiation of the shock syndrome. -Inadequate tissue perfusion is manifested as cerebral hypoxia (restlessness, confusion, agitation).

Which is a potassium-sparing diuretic used in the treatment of heart failure (HF)?

Spironolactone

A nurse is teaching a client about heart failure. What will the nurse explain is causing the heart to fail?

The heart cannot pump sufficient blood to meet the body's metabolic needs.

A client with a history of heart failure is returning from the operating room after inguinal hernia repair and the nurse assesses a low pulse oximetry reading. What is the most important nursing intervention?

Titrate oxygen therapy. Explanation: The nurse needs to titrate oxygen therapy to increase the client's oxygen levels.

The nurse is assisting in the care of a client who is receiving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). For which reason will the client be prescribed to receive amiodarone during the resuscitation efforts?

Treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Explanation: During CPR, the medications provided will depend upon the client's condition and response to therapy. Amiodarone is used to treat pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Sodium bicarbonate is used to correct metabolic acidosis. Norepinephrine and dopamine are used to prevent the development of hypotension. Magnesium sulfate is used for the client with torsade de pointes.

While auscultating the heart sounds of a client with heart failure, the nurse hears an extra heart sound immediately after the second heart sound (S2). How should the nurse document this sound?

a third heart sound (S3). Explanation: An S3 is heard following an S2, which commonly occurs in clients experiencing heart failure and results from increased filling pressures. -An S1 is a normal heart sound made by the closing of the mitral and tricuspid valves. An S4 is heard before an S1 and is caused by resistance to ventricular filling. -A murmur is heard when there is turbulent blood flow across the valves.

A nurse is discussing cardiac hemodynamics with a client and explains the concept of afterload. What are other preexisting medical conditions to discuss that may increase afterload? Select all that apply

aging hypertension aortic valve stenosis

A client arrives at the ED with an exacerbation of left-sided heart failure and reports shortness of breath. Which is the priority nursing action?

assess oxygen saturation

A client asks the nurse if systolic heart failure will affect any other body function. What body system response correlates with systolic heart failure (HF)?

decrease in renal perfusion Explanation: A decrease in renal perfusion due to low cardiac output (CO) and vasoconstriction causes the release of renin by the kidney. Systolic HF results in decreased blood volume being ejected from the ventricle. Sympathetic stimulation causes vasoconstriction of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys.

The nurse is admitting a client with frothy pink sputum. What does the nurse suspect is the primary underlying disorder of pulmonary edema?

decreased left ventricular pumping Explanation: Pulmonary edema is an acute event that results from heart failure. Myocardial scarring, resulting from ischemia, limits the distensibility of the ventricle, making it vulnerable to demands for increased workload. When the demand on the heart increases, there is resistance to left ventricular filling and blood backs up into the pulmonary circulation. Pulmonary edema quickly develops

A nurse is caring for a client with left-sided heart failure. What should the nurse anticipate using to reduce fluid volume excess?

diuretics. Explanation: Diuretics, such as furosemide, reduce total blood volume and circulatory congestion.

The diagnosis of heart failure is usually confirmed by which of the following?

echocardiogram

The nurse is interviewing a client during an initial visit at a cardiologist's office. What symptom will the nurse expect to find as an early symptom of chronic heart failure?

fatigue Explanation: Fatigue is commonly the earliest symptom of chronic heart failure; it is caused by decreased cardiac output and tissue oxygenation.

A client has been admitted to the cardiac step-down unit with acute pulmonary edema. Which symptoms would the nurse expect to find during assessment?

moist, gurgling respirations Explanation: Clients with acute pulmonary edema experience sudden dyspnea, wheezing, orthopnea, cough, cyanosis, and tachycardia. Respirations sound moist or gurgling.

A client is receiving captopril for heart failure. During the nurse's assessment, what sign indicates that the medication therapy is ineffective?

peripheral edema Explanation: Peripheral edema is a sign of fluid volume excess and worsening heart failure. A skin rash and postural hypotension are adverse reactions to captopril, but they don't indicate that therapy is ineffective. The individual will also most like experience trachycardia instead of bradycardia if the heart failure is worsening ang not responding to captopril.

A client with chronic heart failure is receiving digoxin 0.25 mg by mouth daily and furosemide 20 mg by mouth twice daily. The nurse should assess the client for what sign of digoxin toxicity?

visual disturbances. Explanation: Digoxin toxicity may cause visual disturbances (e.g., flickering flashes of light, colored or halo vision, photophobia, blurring, diplopia, and scotomata), -central nervous system abnormalities (e.g., headache, fatigue, lethargy, depression, irritability and, if profound, seizures, delusions, hallucinations, and memory loss), -and cardiovascular abnormalities (e.g., abnormal heart rate, arrhythmias).

The nurse recognizes that which laboratory test is a key diagnostic indicator of heart failure?

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) Explanation: BNP is the key diagnostic indicator of heart failure. High levels of BNP are a sign of high cardiac filling pressure and can aid in the diagnosis of heart failure