A client is admitted to the emergency department 5 days after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) troubled by severe fatigue, muscle weakness, and shortness of breath. The client's electrocardiogram (ECG) Indicates sinus tachycardia and the laboratory findings indicate an elevated serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level. Which action is most important for the nurse to implement?

Insert an indwelling urinary catheter.

Obtain blood for serum cardiac enzymes.

Provide emotional support.

Auscultate lung fields for fine rales.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A.   Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter may be considered if the client is unable to urinate or if precise measurement of urine output is crucial for assessing fluid status. However, in this context, the immediate concern is more likely related to the client's cardiovascular status and respiratory symptoms rather than urinary output.
B.   Serum cardiac enzymes (such as troponin, CK-MB) are important for diagnosing acute myocardial infarction or myocardial injury. While this is relevant for assessing cardiac damage, the elevated BNP level and current symptoms suggest that heart failure or fluid overload might be more pressing concerns.

C.   Emotional support is important for any patient, especially those dealing with significant health issues. However, in this situation, the priority should be on addressing the immediate physiological concerns related to the client's symptoms and laboratory findings. Emotional support can be provided alongside other clinical interventions but should not be the primary action in this acute setting.
D.   Fine rales (or crackles) in the lung fields are often associated with pulmonary congestion or fluid
overload, which are common in heart failure. Given the elevated BNP level and the client’s symptoms of
shortness of breath and fatigue, assessing the lung fields for rales is crucial.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Monitoring intake and output can be important for overall fluid management, it is not the most urgent intervention for a client presenting with symptoms suggestive of a stroke or other acute neurological event. The immediate concern should be to evaluate and manage the neurological symptoms rather than focusing on urinary output at this stage.
B. Bilateral intermittent sequential pneumatic compression devices are used to prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in immobile patients. This is not directly relevant to the acute neurological symptoms described and does not address the immediate need for evaluating the cause of the sudden headache and facial droop.
C. While aspirin may be used in some cases to prevent further clot formation in patients with certain types of strokes, administering it without a clear diagnosis and without ruling out contraindications could be harmful. The client needs immediate diagnostic evaluation to determine if a stroke or another condition is present before starting any medication like aspirin.
D. Obtaining a focused history is crucial in the context of sudden onset neurological symptoms. This includes assessing for recent bleeding, trauma, or the use of anticoagulants, which can help in diagnosing and managing conditions like stroke. Understanding the client's medication history and any recent bleeding events is important for guiding appropriate treatment and ensuring safe management.

A. Teach about compliance to reduce blood pressure. B. Provide rest periods and portable oxygen. C. Maintain continuous monitoring of heart rate and rhythm. D. Administer nitroglycerin daily.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. This is the most likely intervention to avert cardiomegaly and improve myocardial contractility. By reducing blood pressure, the heart doesn't have to work as hard to pump blood, which can help prevent the heart from enlarging (cardiomegaly) and improve its ability to contract effectively.
B. While rest and oxygen can help manage symptoms of heart failure, they do not directly address the underlying issue of increased cardiac workload and hypertrophy.
C. Monitoring heart rate and rhythm is important for assessing the patient's condition, but it does not prevent cardiomegaly or improve contractility.
D. Nitroglycerin is used to treat acute symptoms of heart failure, such as chest pain, but it is not a long- term solution for preventing cardiomegaly or improving contractility.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A client is admitted with heart failure (HF) and left ventricular hypertrophy. Which intervention is most likely to avert development of cardiomegaly and improve myocardial contractility?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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