Med surg prep u chp 29 Management of Patients With Complications from Heart Disease
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."
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 has been diagnosed with systolic heart failure. What percentage will the nurse expect the patient's ejection fraction to be?
30%
A client has been experiencing increasing shortness of breath and fatigue. The health care provider has ordered a diagnostic test in order to determine what type of heart failure the client is having. What diagnostic test does the nurse anticipate being ordered?
An echocardiogram
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 (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 patient in severe pulmonary edema is being intubated by the respiratory therapist. What priority action by the nurse will assist in the confirmation of tube placement in the proper position in the trachea?
Call for a chest x-ray.
A patient in severe pulmonary edema is being intubated by the respiratory therapist. What priority action by the nurse will assist in the confirmation of tube placement in the proper position in the trachea?
Call for a chest x-ray. (A chest x-ray is always obtained after ET tube placement to confirm that the tube is in the proper position within the trachea.)
A client with chronic heart failure is able to continue with his regular physical activity and does not have any limitations as to what he can do. According to the New York Heart Association (NYHA), what classification of chronic heart failure does this client have?
Class I (Mild)
The nurse assessing a client with an exacerbation of heart failure identifies which symptom as a cerebrovascular manifestation of heart failure (HF)?
Dizziness
Which is a cerebrovascular manifestation of heart failure?
Dizziness
The nurse assessing a client with an exacerbation of heart failure identifies which symptom as a cerebrovascular manifestation of heart failure (HF)?
Dizziness (Cerebrovascular manifestations of heart failure stemming from decreased brain perfusion include dizziness, lightheadedness, confusion, restlessness, and anxiety due to decreased oxygenation and blood flow.)
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 (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. An increase in urinary output may be seen later as fluid accumulates. Hypotension would be a later sign of decompensating heart failure as well as tachycardia.)
Which diagnostic study is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis of heart failure?
Echocardiogram
The diagnosis of heart failure is usually confirmed by which of the following?
Echocardiogram (Although the chest X-ray can indicate cardiomegaly and the ECG can indicate a left ventricular abnormality, it is the echocardiogram that is diagnostic. This test measures ejection fraction (EF) which, if greater than 40% and accompanied with signs and symptoms of heart failure, indicates diastolic dysfunction and impaired ventricular relaxation.)
A nurse finds a client with absent breathing and prepares to begin one-person cardiopulmonary resuscitation. What will the nurse do first?
Establish unresponsiveness. (The correct sequence begins with establishing unresponsiveness. The nurse should then call for help, assess the client for breathing while opening the airway, deliver two breaths, and check for a carotid pulse.)
Which medication is categorized as a loop diuretic?
Furosemide (Furosemide is commonly used to treat cardiac failure. Loop diuretics inhibit sodium and chloride reabsorption mainly in the ascending loop of Henle. Chlorothiazide and chlorthalidone are categorized as thiazide diuretics. Spironolactone is categorized as a potassium-sparing diuretic)
A client is already being treated for hypertension. The doctor is concerned about the potential for heart failure, and has the client return for regular check-ups. What does hypertension have to do with heart failure?
Hypertension causes the heart's chambers to enlarge and weaken. (Hypertension causes the heart's chambers to enlarge and weaken, making it impossible for the ventricles to eject all the blood they receive.)
Which New York Heart Association classification of heart failure has a poor prognosis and includes symptoms of cardiac insufficiency at rest?
IV (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.
The nurse is providing discharge instructions to a client with heart failure preparing to leave the following day. What type of diet should the nurse request the dietitian to discuss with the client?
Low-sodium diet (Medical management of both left-sided and right-sided heart failure is directed at reducing the heart's workload and improving cardiac output primarily through dietary modifications, drug therapy, and lifestyle changes. A low-sodium diet is prescribed, and fluids may be restricted. Because the client will be on a diuretic such as Lasix, he may become potassium depleted and would need potassium in the diet. A low-cholesterol and low-fat diet may be ordered but are not specific to the heart failure.)
Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a client admitted with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) who is receiving milrinone?
Monitor blood pressure frequently
Which term describes the degree of stretch of the ventricular cardiac muscle fibers at the end of diastole?
Preload (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 is admitted to the hospital with systolic left-sided heart failure. The nurse knows to look for which assessment finding for this client?
Pulmonary congestion (When the left ventricle cannot effectively pump blood out of the ventricle into the aorta, the blood backs up into the pulmonary system and causes congestion, dyspnea, and shortness of breath. All the other choices are symptoms of right-sided heart failure. They are all symptoms of systolic failure.)
A client has been diagnosed with heart failure. What is the major nursing outcome for the client?
Reduce the workload on the heart. (Specific objectives of medical management of heart failure include reducing the workload on the heart by reducing preload and afterload. The other choices are objectives that may be supportive of a healthy lifestyle, but are not specific to a client with heart failure.)
The nurse recognizes which symptom as a classic sign of cardiogenic shock?
Restlessness and confusion (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).)
A client is admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of heart failure. The client is exhibiting symptoms of weakness, ascites, weight gain, and jugular vein distention. The nurse would know that the client is exhibiting signs of what kind of heart failure?
Right-sided heart failure
A client is admitted to the ICU with a diagnosis of heart failure. The client is exhibiting symptoms of weakness, ascites, weight gain, and jugular vein distention. The nurse would know that the client is exhibiting signs of what kind of heart failure?
Right-sided heart failure (Signs and symptoms of Right Ventricular Failure include: Weakness; Ascites; Weight gain; Nausea, vomiting; Dysrhythmias; Elevated central venous pressure; Jugular vein distention. The scenario does not indicate whether the heart failure is chronic or acute. Therefore, options A, B, and C are incorrect.)
A client with right-sided heart failure is admitted to the medical-surgical unit. What information obtained from the client may indicate the presence of edema?
The client says his rings have become tight and are difficult to remove.
The nurse is admitting a client with heart failure. What factor will worsen the client's myocardial function?
arterial pH 7.28
The nurse is caring for a client with heart failure. What sign will lead the nurse to suspect right-sided heart failure?
ascites
The nurse is assessing a client admitted with cardiogenic shock. What medication will the nurse titrate to improve blood flow to vital organs?
dopamine (Dopamine, a sympathomimetic drug, is used to treat cardiogenic shock. It increases perfusion pressure to improve myocardial contractility and blood flow through vital organs. Enalapril is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor that directly lowers blood pressure. Furosemide is a diuretic and doesn't have a direct effect on contractility or tissue perfusion. Metoprolol is a beta-adrenergic blocker that slows heart rate and lowers blood pressure, undesirable effects when treating cardiogenic shock.)
A client has been having cardiac symptoms for several months and is seeing a cardiologist for diagnostics to determine the cause. How will the client's ejection fraction be measured?
echocardiogram
The nurse is teaching a client with heart failure about the ability for the heart to pump out blood. What diagnostic test will measure the ejection fraction of the heart?
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 (Fatigue is commonly the earliest symptom of chronic heart failure; it is caused by decreased cardiac output and tissue oxygenation. Pedal edema and nocturia are symptoms of heart failure, but they occur later in the course of the condition. An irregular pulse can be a complication of heart failure, but it is not necessarily an early indication of the condition.)
A client diagnosed with heart failure presents with a temperature of 99.1° F, pulse 100 beats/minute, respirations 42 breaths/minute, BP 110/50 mm Hg; crackles in both lung bases; nausea; and pulse oximeter reading of 89%. Which finding indicates a need for immediate attention?
lung congestion (Because pulmonary edema can be fatal, lung congestion needs to be relieved as quickly as possible. Supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation is used to support breathing. Inotropic medications, which improve myocardial contractility, are administered to relieve symptoms.)
A client is prescribed digitalis medication. Which condition should the nurse closely monitor when caring for the client?
nausea and vomiting (Digitalis medications are potent and may cause various toxic effects. The nurse should monitor the client for signs of digitalis toxicity, not just during the initial period of therapy, but throughout care management. The most common signs and symptoms include nausea and vomiting which can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms of toxicity do not include vasculitis, flexion contractures, or enlargement of joints.)
When the client has increased difficulty breathing when lying flat, the nurse records that the client is demonstrating
orthopnea (Clients with orthopnea prefer not to lie flat and will need to maintain their beds in a semi- to high Fowler position. Dyspnea upon exertion refers to difficulty breathing with activity. Hyperpnea refers to increased rate and depth of respiration. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea refers to orthopnea that occurs only at night.)
The nurse completes an assessment of a client admitted with a diagnosis of right-sided heart failure. What will be a significant clinical finding related to right-sided heart failure?
pitting edema (The presence of pitting edema is a significant sign of right-sided heart failure because it indicates fluid retention of about 10 lbs. Sodium and water are retained because reduced cardiac output causes a compensatory neurohormonal response. Oliguria is a sign of kidney failure or dehydration. The S4 heart sound is from a thickened left ventricle, seen with aortic stenosis or hypertension. The decreased oxygen saturation levels are from hypoxemia.)
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
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 (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. Hypermagnesemia (evidenced by a magnesium level greater than 2.5 mEq/L), hypercalcemia (evidenced by an ionized calcium level greater than 5.3 mg/dl), and hypernatremia (evidenced by a sodium level greater than 145 mEq/L) aren't associated with a risk of digoxin toxicity.)
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 who was admitted to the hospital with a diagnosis of thrombophlebitis 1 day ago suddenly reports chest pain and shortness of breath and is visibly anxious. The nurse immediately assesses the client for other signs and symptoms of
pulmonary embolism.
