A client with a history of angina is being admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings will help the nurse distinguish stable angina from an MI?

MI only occurs with exertion.

Stable angina can occur for longer than 30 minutes.

Stable angina can be relieved with rest and nitroglycerin.

The pain of an MI lasts less than 15 minutes.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Myocardial infarction (MI) is not limited to occurrences with exertion. While stable angina typically occurs during physical activity or emotional stress, MI can happen at any time, even at rest. The underlying cause of an MI is the complete blockage of blood supply to a part of the heart muscle, usually due to a blood clot in a coronary artery. This blockage can lead to the death of heart muscle tissue, a condition that requires immediate medical attention.

Choice B reason: Stable angina does not typically last for more than 30 minutes. It is characterized by chest pain or discomfort that occurs predictably with exertion or emotional stress and is relieved within minutes by rest or nitroglycerin. In contrast, the pain from an MI is more prolonged and severe, and it is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. If chest discomfort lasts longer than 15 minutes and is not alleviated by rest or nitroglycerin, it is a warning sign that the individual may be experiencing an MI.

Choice C reason: This is the distinguishing feature between stable angina and an MI. Stable angina is usually relieved within 3-5 minutes by rest or nitroglycerin, which helps to dilate the coronary arteries and improve blood flow to the heart muscle. Nitroglycerin is ineffective in relieving the symptoms of an MI because the problem is not just reduced blood flow but a complete blockage that nitroglycerin cannot overcome.

Choice D reason: The pain associated with an MI typically lasts for more than 15 minutes and can be quite severe. Unlike stable angina, the pain of an MI is not relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. The duration and severity of the pain, along with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, sweating, nausea, or lightheadedness, help differentiate an MI from stable angina.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Hypoxemia, or low oxygen levels in the blood, is a primary indicator of ARF as the lungs are unable to adequately oxygenate the blood.

Choice B reason: Confusion can result from hypoxemia or hypercapnia (high carbon dioxide levels) as the brain is sensitive to changes in blood gas levels.

Choice C reason: Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a hallmark symptom of ARF as the lungs struggle to maintain adequate gas exchange.

Choice D reason: Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with ARF. Tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is more common as the body attempts to compensate for hypoxemia.

Choice E reason: Hypocarbia, or low carbon dioxide levels, can occur in ARF if the body is attempting to compensate for hypoxemia by hyperventilating.

A. Instruct the client to perform range-of-motion exercises to his lower extremities. B. Ambulate the client 1 hour following the procedure. C. Restrict the client's fluid intake. D. Assess the color, temperature, and pulse in the affected extremity.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: Instructing the client to perform range-of-motion exercises to his lower extremities immediately after cardiac catheterization is not recommended. The client should maintain bed rest with the affected leg straight to prevent bleeding from the catheter insertion site.

Choice B reason: Ambulating the client 1 hour following the procedure is not advised. After femoral artery access, the client is typically required to remain on bed rest with the affected leg straight for several hours to ensure hemostasis and prevent bleeding².

Choice C reason: Restricting the client's fluid intake is not a standard post-procedure action. Adequate hydration is important after cardiac catheterization to help flush the contrast dye used during the procedure from the body, unless contraindicated.

Choice D reason: Assessing the color, temperature, and pulse in the affected extremity is crucial for detecting signs of bleeding, hematoma formation, or arterial occlusion. These assessments should be performed regularly as part of post-cardiac catheterization care².

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client with a history of angina is being admitted to the emergency department with a suspected myocardial infarction (MI). Which of the following findings will help the nurse distinguish stable angina from an MI?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who has acute respiratory failure (ARF). The nurse should monitor the client for which of the following manifestations of this condition? (Select all that apply).

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

A nurse is planning care for a client who has undergone cardiac catheterization through the femoral artery. Which of the following actions should the nurse plan to take?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client is scheduled to receive 30 grams of lactulose orally every 12 hours. An oral solution containing 5 g/10 mL is available. How many mL should be poured into the medication cup to administer the required dose?

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who took three nitroglycerin tablets sublingually for chest pain. The client reports relief from the chest pain but now is experiencing a headache. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

A nurse is completing an assessment of a client who has a gastric ulcer. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is reviewing the laboratory values of a client who had a myocardial infarction 3 hours ago. The nurse should expect which of the following laboratory values to be elevated?

A client in the emergency department has suspected stomach perforation due to a peptic ulcer. The nurse is completing the assessment and should expect which of the following findings? (Select all that apply).

A student nurse asks the RN about the clinical manifestations of a thoracic aortic aneurysm. Which of the following findings should the nurse discuss? (Select all that apply).

A nurse is caring for a client who has a chest tube. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A client is admitted to the medical unit with acute pancreatitis. While planning care for this client, the nurse will include which of the following interventions? (Select all that apply).