A client is admitted with an exacerbation of heart failure secondary to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Which observation(s) by the nurse require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client? (Select all that apply.).
The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%.
The client is eating less than half of meals
The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute.
The client is reading a book.
The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg.
Correct Answer : A,C,E
The observation(s) by the nurse that require immediate intervention to reduce the likelihood of harm to this client are:
A. The client’s oxygen saturation level is 85%. This is a sign of hypoxemia, which can lead to tissue hypoxia, organ damage, and cardiac arrest. The nurse should administer oxygen therapy and monitor the client’s respiratory status closely.
C. The client’s heart rate is 110 beats per minute. This is a sign of tachycardia, which can indicate worsening heart failure, dehydration, infection, or anxiety. The nurse should assess the client’s fluid balance, vital signs, and symptoms and report any changes to the physician. The nurse should also administer medications as prescribed to control the heart rate and reduce the cardiac workload.
E. The client’s blood pressure is 160/90 mmHg. This is a sign of hypertension, which can increase the risk of stroke, myocardial infarction, and renal failure. The nurse should administer antihypertensive medications as prescribed and monitor the client’s blood pressure and urine output. The nurse should also educate the client on lifestyle modifications to lower blood pressure, such as reducing salt intake, exercising, and managing stress .
The other observations do not require immediate intervention, but they should be addressed as part of the comprehensive nursing care plan for the client with heart failure and COPD. These include:
B. The client is eating less than half of meals. This can indicate poor appetite, nausea, dyspnea, or fatigue, which can affect the client’s nutritional status and energy level. The nurse should encourage the client to eat small, frequent, and balanced meals that are low in sodium, fat, and cholesterol. The nurse should also provide oral hygiene and offer supplements or enteral feeding if needed .
D. The client is reading a book. This can indicate that the client is coping well with the condition and engaging in leisure activities that promote relaxation and mental health. The nurse should praise the client for this positive behavior and provide emotional support and counseling as needed. The nurse should also teach the client about the signs and symptoms of exacerbation and when to seek medical help .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]
Explanation
The correct answers are B, C, and E: Gently close the eyes, Place a small pillow under the head, and Remove resuscitation equipment from the room.
Choice B rationale: Gently closing the eyes demonstrates respect for the deceased and can provide a more peaceful appearance for the family.
Choice C rationale: Placing a small pillow under the head is a way to provide comfort and dignity in death, as well as to create a more natural appearance.
Choice E rationale: Removing resuscitation equipment from the room allows for a more serene environment for the family to grieve and say their final goodbyes.
Choice A rationale: Dentures should be left in place, as they contribute to a more natural appearance of the deceased. The exception is if the family requests their removal or if it is the facility's policy to remove dentures.
Choice D rationale: Applying a body shroud is unnecessary when the family has requested to view the body before it is taken to the funeral home. Shrouds are typically used during transportation or if the family does not wish to view the body.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D","E"]
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker and is expected to decrease heart rate by inhibiting calcium influx into cardiac cells, particularly in the SA (sinoatrial) node, where it can slow down the heart's electrical impulses.
Choice B rationale:
Increased contractility is not an expected outcome of verapamil use. In fact, verapamil's main action is to decrease myocardial contractility, making it useful for treating conditions like angina and atrial fibrillation.
Choice C rationale:
Verapamil is known to dilate coronary arteries, which can improve blood flow to the heart muscle and relieve symptoms of angina.
Choice D rationale:
Reduced blood pressure is an expected outcome of verapamil use due to its vasodilatory effects on peripheral blood vessels. This can be beneficial in treating hypertension and angina.
Choice E rationale:
Relieved chest pain is an expected outcome of verapamil use, particularly in the case of variant angina (Prinzmetal's angina), as it helps to relax coronary arteries and reduce coronary artery spasm, which is a common cause of chest pain in this condition.
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