A client being admitted to the cardiac care unit complains of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. His ECG demonstrates dysrhythmias associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following diagnostic tools would be the most helpful in diagnosing cardiomyopathy?

Echocardiogram

Arterial blood gases

Swan-Ganz analysis

Cardiac catheterization

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

A. An echocardiogram is the most helpful noninvasive tool for diagnosing cardiomyopathy. It provides detailed information about chamber size, wall motion, ventricular function, and left ventricular hypertrophy, all of which are essential in evaluating cardiomyopathy.
B. Arterial blood gases (ABGs) assess oxygenation and acid-base balance but do not provide structural or functional cardiac details.
C. Swan-Ganz analysis (pulmonary artery catheter) can measure pressures in the heart but is invasive and typically used for hemodynamic monitoring, not initial diagnosis.
D. Cardiac catheterization can show coronary anatomy and pressures, but it is not the first-line test for evaluating cardiomyopathy unless ischemic disease is suspected.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Airway: Ensure the airway is open.
B. Breathing: Provide rescue breaths if the person is not breathing.
C. Circulation: Begin chest compressions to maintain blood flow.
D. Defibrillation: Use an automated external defibrillator (AED) as soon as it's available, especially in cases of shockable rhythms like ventricular fibrillation.

A. Monitor blood pressure. B. Assess radial pulses. C. Monitor bowel movements. D. Monitor weight daily.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Monitor blood pressure – While important, blood pressure changes are not the most sensitive or early indicator of fluid retention in heart failure.
B. Assess radial pulses – Pulse assessment can reflect cardiac output, but it does not directly indicate fluid balance.
C. Monitor bowel movements – Bowel function is not typically affected by fluid balance in heart failure and is not a relevant measure.
D. Monitor weight daily – Daily weight monitoring is the most accurate and early indicator of fluid retention in clients with heart failure. A weight gain of 2–3 pounds in a day or 5 pounds in a week may indicate fluid overload and should be reported to the healthcare provider.

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A client being admitted to the cardiac care unit complains of dyspnea on exertion and fatigue. His ECG demonstrates dysrhythmias associated with left ventricular hypertrophy. Which of the following diagnostic tools would be the most helpful in diagnosing cardiomyopathy?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) instructor is presenting a health care provider CPR course. The instructor reviews the ABCDs of basic CPR, which

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

When being discharged home, to assess fluid balance, a client with heart failure should be instructed to:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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