A client is admitted into the Cardiac ICU unit with a diagnosis of chronic stable angina. The nurse should teach the client that the most common characteristic of stable angina pain is that?
It is pain that can be relieved with rest
It is normal pain that will go away on its own on
It is pain that is not relieved by taking nitroglycerin
It is pain that requires a cardiac catheterization
The Correct Answer is A
A) It is pain that can be relieved with rest:
Stable angina is typically predictable and occurs during physical exertion or emotional stress when the heart’s oxygen demand exceeds its supply. The pain associated with stable angina usually resolves with rest or after the cessation of the activity that triggered it. Additionally, nitroglycerin can help alleviate the discomfort by dilating blood vessels and improving blood flow to the heart muscle.
B) It is normal pain that will go away on its own:
Although stable angina pain may resolve on its own when the precipitating factor (e.g., exercise or stress) is removed, it is not considered "normal" pain. The pain is a symptom of underlying coronary artery disease (CAD), indicating that the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen. It’s important for the client to manage angina carefully, as it may progress to more serious forms, such as unstable angina or myocardial infarction (heart attack), if not addressed appropriately.
C) It is pain that is not relieved by taking nitroglycerin:
Nitroglycerin is commonly effective in relieving stable angina by relaxing the coronary arteries and improving blood flow to the heart. If a client’s angina is not relieved by nitroglycerin, it may indicate that the angina is no longer stable (i.e., it has become unstable angina) or that a more serious cardiovascular event is occurring, such as a heart attack.
D) It is pain that requires a cardiac catheterization:
Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic and interventional procedure typically used when a patient has unstable angina or a history of myocardial infarction or when other treatments have failed. However, stable angina usually does not require immediate catheterization unless the pain is refractory or there is evidence of significant coronary artery blockage. The most common management for stable angina is lifestyle modifications, medications (e.g., nitroglycerin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers), and addressing risk factors for coronary artery disease.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Wear a dosimeter badge and lead apron when providing direct patient care: When caring for a patient undergoing internal radiation therapy (brachytherapy), radiation safety is the nurse’s priority. The nurse must take measures to minimize radiation exposure by wearing protective equipment such as a dosimeter badge (to monitor exposure levels) and a lead apron (to shield against radiation). These precautions are critical to protect healthcare workers from potential radiation harm while caring for a patient with a radiation implant.
B) Avoid placing a radiation sign at the entrance of the room for patient privacy: Placing a radiation warning sign at the entrance of the room is a mandatory safety protocol when a patient is undergoing brachytherapy. This warning sign informs healthcare personnel and visitors that radiation is present, and it is important for ensuring safety. Patient privacy should not override radiation safety protocols.
C) Alert family members that they should restrict their visiting to 60 minutes at a time: While it is essential to inform family members about safety precautions when visiting a patient receiving radiation therapy, the priority action for the nurse is to ensure their own safety and radiation exposure first. Limiting family visits is an important step to reduce unnecessary exposure, but this is a secondary concern compared to the nurse's direct radiation safety measures.
D) Explain to the patient that she will continue to emit radiation for months after the implant is removed: The patient will continue emitting radiation only for a short period after the implant is removed. The duration of radiation emission depends on the type of radioactive material used in brachytherapy, but it is typically limited to a few days or weeks at most. In most cases, the nurse would explain to the patient that, after the implant is removed, radiation emission will cease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Crackles upon auscultation:
Left-sided heart failure occurs when the left ventricle is unable to effectively pump blood to the body, causing blood to back up into the lungs. This results in pulmonary congestion, which often manifests as crackles (also called rales) upon auscultation, particularly in the lower lobes of the lungs. The crackles are caused by the fluid accumulation in the alveoli, a hallmark sign of left-sided heart failure.
B) Palpable liver during assessment:
A palpable liver is more commonly associated with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the blood backs up into the venous system, causing congestion in organs such as the liver and spleen. This leads to hepatomegaly (enlargement of the liver), which can be palpated during physical examination. Therefore, a palpable liver is not typically a manifestation of left-sided heart failure.
C) Pitting Edema:
Pitting edema is more characteristic of right-sided heart failure. When the right ventricle is unable to pump blood effectively, blood backs up in the systemic circulation, leading to fluid retention and edema in the lower extremities, abdomen (ascites), or other dependent areas. While pitting edema can occur in left-sided heart failure, it is more commonly a finding in right-sided heart failure or congestive heart failure.
D) Distended jugular veins:
Distended jugular veins (JVD) are also a sign of right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. When the right side of the heart fails, blood backs up in the venous system, leading to increased venous pressure, which can be observed as jugular venous distension. This is a key finding in right-sided heart failure.
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