Chapter 7- prioritization, delegation, & assignment questions

The nurse is working with an experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) and an LPN/LVN on the telemetry unit. A client who had an acute myocardial infarction 3 days ago has been reporting fatigue and chest discomfort when ambulating. Which nursing activity included in the care plan is best assigned to the LPN/LVN? 1. Administering nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually if chest discomfort occurs during client activities 2. Monitoring pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation before and after client ambulation 3. Teaching the client energy conservation techniques to decrease myocardial oxygen demand 4. Explaining the rationale for alternating rest periods with exercise to the client and family

1. Administering nitroglycerin 0.4 mg sublingually if chest discomfort occurs during client activities

During the initial postoperative assessment of a client who has just been transferred to the PACU after repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm, the nurse obtains these data. Which finding has the most immediate implications for the client's care? 1. Arterial line indicates a blood pressure of 190/112 mm Hg. 2. Cardiac monitor shows frequent premature atrial contractions. 3. There is no response to verbal stimulation. 4. Urine output is 40 mL of amber urine

1. Arterial line indicates a blood pressure of 190/112 mm Hg.

The health care provider prescribes these actions for a client who was admitted with acute substernal chest pain. Which actions are appropriate to assign to an experienced LPN/LVN who is working in the ED? Select all that apply. 1. Attaching cardiac monitor leads 2. Giving heparin 5000 units IV push 3. Administering morphine sulfate 4 mg IV 4. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) 5. Asking the client about pertinent medical history 6. Having the client chew and swallow aspirin 162 mg

1. Attaching cardiac monitor leads 4. Obtaining a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) 6. Having the client chew and swallow aspirin 162 mg

Which topics will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a client who has been admitted with heart failure? Select all that apply. 1. How to monitor and record daily weight 2. Importance of stopping exercise if heart rate increases 3. Symptoms of worsening heart failure 4. Purpose of chronic antibiotic therapy 5. How to read food labels for sodium content 6. Date and time for follow-up appointments

1. How to monitor and record daily weight 3. Symptoms of worsening heart failure 5. How to read food labels for sodium content 6. Date and time for follow-up appointments

The nurse is working in an outpatient clinic where many vascular diagnostic tests are performed. Which task associated with vascular testing is most appropriate to delegate to experienced unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? 1. Measuring ankle and brachial pressures in a client for whom the ankle-brachial index is to be calculated 2. Checking blood pressure and pulse every 10 minutes in a client who is undergoing exercise testing 3. Obtaining information about allergies from a client who is scheduled for left leg contrast venography 4. Providing brief client teaching for a client who will undergo a right subclavian vein Doppler study

1. Measuring ankle and brachial pressures in a client for whom the ankle-brachial index is to be calculated

At 10:00 AM, a hospitalized client receives a new order for transesophageal echocardiography as soon as possible. Which action will the nurse take first? 1. Put the client on NPO status. 2. Teach the client about the procedure. 3. Insert an IV catheter in the client's forearm. 4. Attach the client to a cardiac monitor

1. Put the client on NPO status.

The clinic nurse is evaluating a client who had coronary artery stenting through the right femoral artery a week previously and is taking metoprolol, clopidogrel, and aspirin. Which information reported by the client is most important to report to the health care provider? 1. Stools have been black in color. 2. Bruising is present at the right groin. 3. Home blood pressure today was 104/52 mm Hg. 4. Home radial pulse rate has been 55 to 60 beats/min.

1. Stools have been black in color.

Which finding in a client with aortic stenosis will be most important for the nurse to report to the health care provider? 1. Temperature of 102.1°F (38.9°C) 2. Loud systolic murmur over sternum 3. Blood pressure of 110/88 mm Hg 4. Weak radial and pedal pulses to palpation

1. Temperature of 102.1°F (38.9°C)

The nurse is preparing to implement teaching about a heart-healthy diet and activity levels for a client who has had a myocardial infarction and the client's spouse. The client says, "I don't see why I need any teaching. I don't think I need to change anything right now." Which response is most appropriate? 1. "Do you think your family may want you to make some lifestyle changes?" 2. "Can you tell me why you don't feel that you need to make any changes?" 3. "You are still in the stage of denial, but you will want this information later on." 4. "Even though you don't want to change, it's important that you have this teaching."

2. "Can you tell me why you don't feel that you need to make any changes?"

The nurse is ambulating a cardiac surgery client whose heart rate suddenly increases to 146 beats/min. In which order will the nurse take the following actions? 1. Call the client's health care provider. 2. Have the client sit down. 3. Check the client's blood pressure. 4. Administer as needed (PRN) oxygen by nasal cannula.

2,4,3,1

While working on the cardiac step-down unit, the nurse is precepting a newly graduated RN who has been in a 6-week orientation program. Which client will be best to assign to the new graduate? 1. A 19-year-old client with rheumatic fever who needs discharge teaching before going home with a roommate today 2. A 33-year-old client admitted a week ago with endocarditis who will be receiving a scheduled dose of ceftriaxone 2 g IV 3. A 50-year-old client with newly diagnosed stable angina who has many questions about medications and nursing care 4. A 75-year-old client who has just been transferred to the unit after undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting yesterday

2. A 33-year-old client admitted a week ago with endocarditis who will be receiving a scheduled dose of ceftriaxone 2 g IV

The nurse has just received a change-of-shift report about these clients on the coronary step-down unit. Which one will the nurse assess first? 1. A 26-year-old client with heart failure caused by congenital mitral stenosis who is scheduled for balloon valvuloplasty later today 2. A 45-year-old client with constrictive cardiomyopathy who developed acute dyspnea and agitation about 1 hour before the shift change 3. A 56-year-old client who underwent coronary angioplasty and stent placement yesterday and has reported occasional chest pain since the procedure 4. A 77-year-old client who was transferred from the intensive care unit 2 days ago after coronary artery bypass grafting and has a temperature of 100.6°F (38.1°C)

2. A 45-year-old client with constrictive cardiomyopathy who developed acute dyspnea and agitation about 1 hour before the shift change

A client seen in the clinic with shortness of breath and fatigue is being evaluated for a possible diagnosis of heart failure. Which laboratory result will be most useful to monitor? 1. Serum potassium 2. B-type natriuretic peptide 3. Blood urea nitrogen 4. Hematocrit

2. B-type natriuretic peptide

The charge nurse in a long-term care facility that employs RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) has developed a plan for the ongoing assessment of all residents with a diagnosis of heart failure. Which activity included in the plan is most appropriate to assign to an LPN/LVN team member? 1. Weighing all residents with heart failure each morning 2. Listening to lung sounds and checking for edema each week 3. Reviewing all heart failure medications with residents every month 4. Updating activity plans for residents with heart failure every quarter

2. Listening to lung sounds and checking for edema each week

Which client is best for the coronary care charge nurse to assign to a float RN who has come for the day from the general medical-surgical unit? 1. Client requiring discharge teaching about coronary artery stenting before going home today 2. Client receiving IV furosemide to treat acute left ventricular failure 3. Client who just transferred in from the radiology department after a coronary angioplasty 4. Client just admitted with unstable angina who has orders for a heparin infusion and aspirin

2. Client receiving IV furosemide to treat acute left ventricular failure

The nurse in the cardiovascular clinic receives telephone calls from four clients. Which client should be scheduled to be seen most urgently? 1. Client with peripheral arterial disease who complains of leg cramps when walking 2. Client with atrial fibrillation who reports episodes of lightheadedness and syncope 3. Client with a new permanent pacemaker who has severe itchiness at the wound site 4. Client with angina who took nitroglycerin twice in the last week while exercising

2. Client with atrial fibrillation who reports episodes of lightheadedness and syncope

A client who has just arrived in the ED reports substernal and left arm discomfort that has been going on for about 3 hours. Which laboratory test will be most useful in determining whether the nurse should anticipate implementing the acute coronary syndrome standard protocol? 1. Creatine kinase MB level 2. Troponin I level 3. Myoglobin level 4. C-reactive protein level

2. Troponin I level

The health care provider telephones the nurse with new prescriptions for a client with angina who is already taking aspirin. Which medication is most important to clarify further with the health care provider? 1. Clopidogrel 75 mg/day 2. Ibuprofen 200 mg every 4 hours as needed 3. Metoprolol succinate 50 mg/day 4. Nitroglycerin patch 0.4 mg/hr

2. Ibuprofen 200 mg every 4 hours as needed

The clinic nurse obtains this information about a client who is taking warfarin after having a DVT. Which finding is most indicative of a need for a change in therapy? 1. Blood pressure is 106/54 mm Hg. 2. International normalized ratio (INR) is 1.2. 3. Bruises are noted at sites where blood has been drawn. 4. Client reports eating a green salad for lunch every day.

2. International normalized ratio (INR) is 1.2.

The nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure and has a new prescription for sacubitril-valsartan. Which client information is most important to discuss with the health care provider before administration of the medication? 1. The client's oxygen saturation is 92%. 2. The client receives lisinopril 10 mg/day. 3. The client's blood pressure is 150/90 mm Hg. 4. The client's potassium is 3.3 mEq/L

2. The client receives lisinopril 10 mg/day.

The emergency department nurse is caring for a client who was just admitted with left anterior chest pain, possible acute myocardial infarction (MI). Which action will the nurse take first? 1. Insert an IV catheter. 2. Auscultate heart sounds. 3. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin. 4. Draw blood for troponin I measurement.

3. Administer sublingual nitroglycerin.

A client whose systolic blood pressure is always higher than 140 mm Hg in the clinic tells the nurse, "My blood pressure at home is always fine!" What action should the nurse take next? 1. Instruct the client about the effects of untreated high blood pressure on the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular systems. 2. Educate the client about lifestyle changes such as low-sodium diet, daily exercise, and restricting alcohol use to no more than 2 beers per day. 3. Ask the client to obtain blood pressures twice daily with an automatic blood pressure cuff at home and bring the results to the clinic in a week. 4. Provide the client with a handout describing the various types of antihypertensive medications with the medication effects and adverse effects.

3. Ask the client to obtain blood pressures twice daily with an automatic blood pressure cuff at home and bring the results to the clinic in a week.

The nurse makes a home visit to evaluate a hypertensive client who has been taking enalapril. Which finding is most important to report to the health care provider? 1. Client reports frequent urination. 2. Client's blood pressure is 138/86 mm Hg. 3. Client complains about a frequent dry cough. 4. Client says, "I get dizzy sometimes if I stand up fast."

3. Client complains about a frequent dry cough.

A client with stable angina has a prescription for ranolazine 500 mg twice a day. Which client finding is most important for the nurse to discuss with the health care provider? 1. Heart rate is 52 beats/min. 2. Client is also taking carvedilol for angina. 3. Client reports having chronic constipation. 4. Blood pressure is 106/56 mm Hg.

3. Client reports having chronic constipation.

The nurse is monitoring the cardiac rhythms of clients in the coronary care unit. Which client will need immediate intervention? 1. Client admitted with heart failure who has atrial fibrillation with a rate of 88 beats/min while at rest 2. Client with a newly implanted demand ventricular pacemaker who has occasional periods of sinus rhythm at a rate of 90 to 100 beats/min 3. Client who has had an acute myocardial infarction and has sinus rhythm at a rate of 76 beats/min with frequent premature ventricular contractions 4. Client who recently started taking atenolol and has a first-degree heart block, with a rate of 58 beats/ min

3. Client who has had an acute myocardial infarction and has sinus rhythm at a rate of 76 beats/min with frequent premature ventricular contractions

The nurse is developing a standardized care plan for the postoperative care of clients undergoing cardiac surgery. The unit is staffed with RNs, LPN/LVNs, and unlicensed assistive personnel. Which nursing activity will need to be performed by RN staff members? 1. Removing chest and leg dressings on the second postoperative day and cleaning the incisions with antibacterial swabs 2. Reinforcing client and family teaching about the need to deep breathe and cough at least every 2 hours while awake 3. Developing an individual plan for discharge teaching based on discharge medications and needed lifestyle changes 4. Administering oral analgesic medications as needed before helping the client out of bed on the first postoperative day

3. Developing an individual plan for discharge teaching based on discharge medications and needed lifestyle changes

An 80-year-old client on the coronary step-down unit tells the nurse "I do not need to take that docusate. I never get constipated!" Which action by the nurse is most appropriate? 1. Document the medication on the client's chart as "refused." 2. Mix the medication with food and administer it to the client. 3. Explain that his decreased activity level may cause constipation. 4. Reinforce that the docusate has been prescribed for a good reason.

3. Explain that his decreased activity level may cause constipation.

A client who has endocarditis with vegetation on the mitral valve suddenly reports severe left foot pain. The nurse notes that no pulse is palpable in the left foot and that it is cold and pale. Which action should the nurse take next? 1. Lower the client's left foot below heart level. 2. Administer oxygen at 4 L/min to the client. 3. Notify the health care provider about the change in status. 4. Reassure the client that embolization is common in endocarditis.

3. Notify the health care provider about the change in status.

The nurse is caring for a hospitalized client with heart failure who is receiving captopril and spironolactone. Which laboratory value will be most important to monitor? 1. Sodium level 2. Blood glucose level 3. Potassium level 4. Alkaline phosphatase level

3. Potassium level

Two weeks ago, a client with heart failure received a new prescription for carvedilol 12.5 mg orally. Which finding by the nurse who is evaluating the client in the cardiology clinic is of most concern? 1. Reports of increased fatigue and activity intolerance 2. Weight increase of 0.5 kg over a 1-week period 3. Sinus bradycardia at a rate of 48 beats/min 4. Traces of edema noted over both ankles

3. Sinus bradycardia at a rate of 48 beats/min

The nurse is participating as a team member in the resuscitation of a client who has had a cardiac arrest. The health care provider who is directing the resuscitation asks the nurse to administer epinephrine 1 mg IV. After giving the medication, which action should the nurse take next? 1. Prepare to defibrillate the client. 2. Offer to take over chest compressions. 3. State: "Epinephrine 1 mg IV has been given." 4. Continue to monitor the client's responsiveness.

3. State: "Epinephrine 1 mg IV has been given."

During a home visit to an 88-year-old client who is taking digoxin 0.25 mg/day to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation, the nurse obtains this assessment information. Which finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider? 1. Apical pulse 68 beats/min and irregular 2. Digoxin taken with meals 3. Vision that is becoming "fuzzy" 4. Lung crackles that clear after coughing

3. Vision that is becoming "fuzzy"

The nurse assesses a client who has just returned to the recovery area after undergoing coronary arteriography. Which information is of most concern? 1. Blood pressure is 154/78 mm Hg. 2. Pedal pulses are palpable at +1. 3. Left groin has a 3-cm bruised area. 4. Apical pulse is 122 beats/min and regular.

4. Apical pulse is 122 beats/min and regular.

A resident in a long-term care facility who has venous stasis ulcers is treated with an Unna boot. Which nursing activity included in the resident's care is best for the nurse to delegate to the unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP)? 1. Teaching family members the signs of infection 2. Monitoring capillary perfusion once every 8 hours 3. Evaluating foot sensation and movement each shift 4. Assisting the client in cleaning around the Unna boot

4. Assisting the client in cleaning around the Unna boot

When the nurse is monitoring a 53-year-old client who is undergoing a treadmill stress test, which finding will require the most immediate action? 1. Blood pressure of 152/88 mm Hg 2. Heart rate of 134 beats/min 3. Oxygen saturation of 91% 4. Chest pain level of 3

4. Chest pain level of 3

A client who is scheduled for a coronary arteriogram is admitted to the hospital on the day of the procedure. Which client information is most important for the nurse to communicate to the health care provider (HCP) before the procedure? 1. Blood glucose level is 144 mg/dL. 2. Cardiac monitor shows sinus bradycardia, rate 56 beats/min. 3. Client reports chest pain that occurred yesterday. 4. Client took metformin 500 mg this morning.

4. Client took metformin 500 mg this morning.

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory results for a client with an elevated cholesterol level who is taking atorvastatin. Which result is most important to discuss with the health care provider? 1. Serum potassium is 3.4 mEq/L 2. Blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is 9 mg/dL 3. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) is 30 units/L 4. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 170 mg/dL

4. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol is 170 mg/dL

The nurse has given morphine sulfate 4 mg IV to a client who is having an acute myocardial infarction. When evaluating the client's response 5 minutes after giving the medication, which finding indicates a need for immediate further action? 1. Blood pressure decrease from 114/65 to 106/58 mm Hg 2. Respiratory rate drop from 18 to 12 breaths/min 3. Cardiac monitor indicating sinus rhythm at a rate of 96 beats/min 4. Persisting chest pain at a level of 1 (on a scale of 0 to 10)

4. Persisting chest pain at a level of 1 (on a scale of 0 to 10)

At 9:00 PM, the nurse admits a 63-year-old client with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction. Which finding is most important to communicate to the health care provider who is considering the use of fibrinolytic therapy with tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase) for the client? 1. The client was treated with alteplase about 8 months ago. 2. The client takes famotidine for gastroesophageal reflux disease. 3. The client has ST-segment elevations on the electrocardiogram (ECG). 4. The client reports having continuous chest pain since 8:00 AM.

4. The client reports having continuous chest pain since 8:00 AM.

The nurse is preparing to administer the following medications to a client with multiple health problems who has been hospitalized with deep vein thrombosis. Which medication is most important to double-check with another licensed nurse? 1. Famotidine 20 mg IV 2. Furosemide 40 mg IV 3. Digoxin 0.25 mg PO 4. Warfarin 2.5 mg PO

4. Warfarin 2.5 mg PO