A client admitted to the Emergency Department with a suspected STEM. The nurse anticipates that this client will be immediately prepared for the cardiac catheterization laboratory as the goal of treatment is to:
Measure heart chamber pressures to assess for heart failure
Determine cardiac output during the procedure.
Evaluate the extent of the occlusion of the coronary arteries involved
Prevent extensive myocardial damage
The Correct Answer is D
A) Measure heart chamber pressures to assess for heart failure:
Measuring heart chamber pressures is an important diagnostic tool in assessing heart failure, but it is not the primary goal in the case of a STEMI (ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction). In STEMI, the primary goal is to identify and treat the blockage in the coronary arteries that is causing the heart attack.
B) Determine cardiac output during the procedure:
Cardiac output is a useful measurement for assessing heart function, but it is not the main focus during the treatment of STEMI. While monitoring cardiac output may be part of the overall care, the urgent priority in STEMI management is to restore blood flow to the affected myocardial tissue as quickly as possible to minimize damage, not to measure cardiac output.
C) Evaluate the extent of the occlusion of the coronary arteries involved:
While evaluating the extent of coronary artery occlusion is part of the process during a cardiac catheterization, the immediate priority for a patient with STEMI is to treat the blockage, not just evaluate it. While the angiogram will reveal the blockage, the treatment goal is to restore perfusion to the affected area of the heart through procedures such as balloon angioplasty or stent placement.
D) Prevent extensive myocardial damage:
This is the correct answer. The main goal of treatment for STEMI is to prevent extensive myocardial damage. In a STEMI, the coronary artery is blocked, depriving the heart muscle of oxygen, which can cause significant damage or death of the myocardial tissue. The most effective way to limit the extent of damage is to restore blood flow as quickly as possible, often through emergent procedures like percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or fibrinolytic therapy.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]
Explanation
A) Description of injury, vital signs during surgery, and current vital signs:
This information is crucial for the ICU nurse to understand the nature of the injury, how the patient responded during surgery, and their current hemodynamic status. Vital signs during surgery provide insight into the patient's cardiovascular stability and response to anesthesia, blood loss, and interventions. Current vital signs are important to monitor for any postoperative complications.
B) Description of operative procedure and patient tolerance:
The ICU nurse needs to know the details of the surgery performed, such as the type of trauma repair and any complications that may have occurred during the procedure. Understanding how the patient tolerated the surgery (e.g., any complications such as hypotension or arrhythmias) is important for planning post-operative care and anticipating potential issues in the ICU.
C) Total intake and output (IV fluids, blood products, urine/chest tube output, blood loss):
Tracking fluid balance is critical in trauma patients, especially those who have suffered significant blood loss. IV fluids, blood products, and other inputs (such as urine and chest tube output) provide vital information on the patient's circulatory status and renal function. Blood loss is also important to monitor, as it may need to be replaced, and fluid status affects the patient's recovery.
D) Presence of the patient's spiritual advisor and family:
Although family presence can be an important part of patient care, especially in a trauma situation, it is not essential information for the ICU nurse to receive during a report. While the ICU nurse may ask for family updates and visitor information, the focus of the report should be on the patient's clinical status and post-operative needs.
E) Medications administered during surgery and IV access sites:
The ICU nurse must know the medications administered during surgery, especially anesthesia agents, antibiotics, and analgesics, to understand their effects and anticipate any needed follow-up care, such as pain management or monitoring for adverse reactions. Knowing the IV access sites (e.g., central line, peripheral IV) is important for administering medications, fluids, and for monitoring potential complications related to vascular access.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Monitoring the skin color and turgor:
While monitoring skin color and turgor is important in assessing fluid status and perfusion, it is not the immediate priority following an intracoronary stent insertion. Skin turgor is more useful in assessing dehydration or hypovolemia, but after a stent placement, the priority is to ensure the client is stable hemodynamically and there are no complications such as bleeding or thrombosis at the insertion site.
B) Monitoring the blood pressure every fifteen minutes:
Following an intracoronary stent insertion, it is crucial to monitor the client's blood pressure closely, as this procedure can lead to complications such as bleeding, clot formation, or vessel rupture. Monitoring blood pressure frequently (every 15 minutes initially) helps detect any signs of hypotension or hypertension that may indicate complications like bleeding or a clot.
C) Monitoring the cardiac enzymes every eight hours:
Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, are typically used to assess myocardial injury and can be elevated in the setting of acute coronary syndrome. However, this is not the immediate priority post-procedure. The primary concern immediately after an intracoronary stent insertion is ensuring hemodynamic stability and preventing complications such as bleeding or thromboembolism, rather than focusing solely on enzyme levels.
D) Performing neurological checks every fifteen minutes:
Neurological checks are important in cases of stroke, neurological compromise, or complications like a clot dislodging. However, in the context of a patient who has just had an intracoronary stent placement, neurological checks are not the immediate priority unless there are signs of neurological symptoms (such as sudden weakness or confusion) that indicate a complication like an embolism or stroke.
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