A client complains of shortness of breath and having to sleep on three pillows to breathe comfortably at night. During the nurse's examination, what findings will suggest that the cause of this client's dyspnea is due to a heart condition rather than respiratory disease?
Clubbing of the fingers
Bilateral crepitus
Bilateral peripheral edema
Increased anteroposterior diameter
The Correct Answer is C
A. Clubbing of the fingers is a chronic finding associated with long-term hypoxia from respiratory diseases such as chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis, not acute heart failure.
B. Bilateral crepitus suggests air trapping or alveolar collapse, which is more indicative of pneumonia or emphysema, rather than a primary cardiac cause.
C. Bilateral peripheral edema is correct. Dyspnea that worsens when lying flat (orthopnea) and the need for multiple pillows to sleep comfortably are signs of heart failure. Peripheral edema indicates fluid overload due to poor cardiac function.
D. Increased anteroposterior diameter is associated with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, where lung hyperinflation leads to a "barrel chest" appearance. This is not a typical finding in heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. This is incorrect because it describes an actual nursing diagnosis, not a risk diagnosis.
B. A risk diagnosis describes a situation in which a problem will likely occur if the nurse does not intervene. It identifies a potential health problem that has not yet developed but could occur due to the client’s risk factors.
C. This is incorrect because it describes a health promotion diagnosis, which focuses on enhancing well-being rather than preventing a problem.
D. This is incorrect because it describes a syndrome diagnosis, which is a group of related nursing diagnoses that occur together.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Clubbing of the fingers is a chronic finding associated with long-term hypoxia from respiratory diseases such as chronic lung disease or cystic fibrosis, not acute heart failure.
B. Bilateral crepitus suggests air trapping or alveolar collapse, which is more indicative of pneumonia or emphysema, rather than a primary cardiac cause.
C. Bilateral peripheral edema is correct. Dyspnea that worsens when lying flat (orthopnea) and the need for multiple pillows to sleep comfortably are signs of heart failure. Peripheral edema indicates fluid overload due to poor cardiac function.
D. Increased anteroposterior diameter is associated with chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, where lung hyperinflation leads to a "barrel chest" appearance. This is not a typical finding in heart failure.
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