A client is seen in the emergency department with a heart failure exacerbation due to noncompliance with medications and fluid restrictions. Which key diagnostic result should the nurse assess to determine the severity of the client's heart failure exacerbation?
Blood urea nitrogen (BUN)
Troponin
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP)
Electrocardiogram
The Correct Answer is C
A. Elevated BUN can indicate kidney dysfunction but is not specific for assessing heart failure severity.
B. Elevated troponin levels indicate myocardial injury or infarction, not heart failure exacerbation.
C. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels are directly correlated with the severity of heart failure, as they are released in response to ventricular volume expansion and pressure overload.
D. An electrocardiogram (ECG) can show arrhythmias or ischemia but does not directly measure heart failure severity.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Lisinopril is not used to reduce LDL cholesterol and triglycerides; statins are used for that purpose.
B. Lisinopril does not prevent platelet aggregation; antiplatelet agents like aspirin are used for that purpose.
C. Lisinopril is not used to relieve acute angina; nitrates like nitroglycerin are used for that purpose.
D. Lisinopril is an ACE inhibitor that helps decrease blood pressure and reduce the workload on the heart, which is beneficial in managing chronic stable angina.
Correct Answer is ["B","D"]
Explanation
A. Digoxin improves cardiac output by increasing the force of cardiac contractions, not by increasing the heart rate. In fact, it may slow the heart rate.
B. Holding the dose and calling the doctor if the heart rate is less than 60 beats per minute is correct, as digoxin can cause bradycardia.
C. Doubling the dose is incorrect and dangerous. Missed doses should be handled according to physician instructions, typically by skipping the missed dose and taking the next scheduled dose.
D. Loss of appetite and nausea can be signs of digoxin toxicity and should be reported to the healthcare provider.
E. Frequent urination is not an expected side effect of digoxin; it is more commonly associated with diuretics.
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