A client with a history of unstable angina presents to the emergency department with constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest. The client appears anxious, pale, and diaphoretic. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?

Evaluate upper and lower extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema.

Secure client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention.

Administer four 81 mg aspirin tablets providing instructions to chew before swallowing.

Place an indwelling urinary catheter and institute strict intake and output measurements.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Given the client's symptoms of constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest, along with the client's appearance of anxiety, pallor, and diaphoresis, it indicates a high likelihood of an acute coronary event, such as a myocardial infarction (heart attack). In this situation, the nurse should prioritize immediate actions that address the potential cardiac emergency.

Aspirin is an essential medication in the initial management of acute coronary syndrome, including unstable angina and myocardial infarction. It helps to inhibit platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of clot formation in the coronary arteries. The chewable form of aspirin is recommended because it allows for more rapid absorption.

While evaluating extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema is important in assessing the client's overall cardiovascular status, it is not the immediate next step when faced with a suspected acute coronary event.

Securing client consent for coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a relevant step in the management of unstable angina and myocardial infarction, but it is not the immediate action to be taken in the emergency department. The client requires stabilization and initial medical interventions before procedural consent can be obtained.

Placing an indwelling urinary catheter and instituting strict intake and output measurements is not a priority action in this situation. The focus should be on addressing the potential acute coronary event and ensuring the client's cardiac stability. Urinary catheterization and monitoring of intake and output can be considered later, if necessary.

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Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

A) Incorrect - Phototherapy, often used to treat conditions like seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or certain skin conditions, involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light. It is not typically used as a treatment for distressing thoughts and memories related to trauma, as described in the client's situation.
B) Incorrect - Lithium is primarily used to treat bipolar disorder and is not a first-line treatment for trauma-related symptoms or acute stress disorder. The client's symptoms are more indicative of trauma-related distress, which would be addressed through psychotherapeutic approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
C) Incorrect - "Consciousness-raising" is not a recognized treatment intervention in this context.

It's important to focus on evidence-based therapeutic approaches for trauma-related symptoms, such as psychotherapy and support services.
D) Correct - Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is Given the client's distressing thoughts and memories, CBT is a highly effective psychotherapy approach. It focuses on identifying and modifying negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. CBT can help the client develop healthier coping strategies.
E) Correct - Animal-assisted therapy involves interacting with trained animals to improve emotional well-being. Since the client expresses feeling unhappy and having difficulty coping, animal therapy can provide comfort, reduce stress, and promote a sense of companionship.
F) Incorrect - Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a treatment primarily used for severe cases of depression or certain psychiatric conditions that are unresponsive to other treatments. It involves inducing controlled seizures to affect brain chemistry. ECT is not a first-line treatment for the client's distressing thoughts and memories following a traumatic event.

A. Temperature 103 °F (39.4 °C) B. Blood pressure 89/51 mmHg C. Respiratory rate 55 breaths/min D. Copious, clear secretions from both nostrils F. Oxygen saturation 95% G. Wet diaper with 12 mL of urine H. Heart rate 159 bpm

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

Explanation

Fever increases fluid loss through perspiration.

Increased respiratory rate can lead to increased fluid loss through evaporation. Increased nasal secretions can result in fluid loss.

High oxygen flow can cause drying of the mucous membranes and increase fluid requirements.

The following findings do not necessarily indicate increased fluid requirements: Blood pressure alone does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

Oxygen saturation within the normal range does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

Although urine output is important to assess hydration status, 12 mL of urine may not necessarily indicate increased fluid requirements.

Heart rate alone does not indicate increased fluid requirements.

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A client with a history of unstable angina presents to the emergency department with constant chest pressure that is unrelieved with rest. The client appears anxious, pale, and diaphoretic. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Patient Data What other treatments might be helpful for this client? Select all that apply.

Correct Answer is ["D","E"]

Explanation

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

Explanation

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