A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is admitted to the medical unit for testing. The client describes having had frequent episodes of angina over the last few days prior to admission. The client is now experiencing shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pressure. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?
Verify troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three.
Initiate dim lighting, lower alarm volumes, and control traffic in and out of the room area.
Count and record the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute.
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula and titrate to keep oxygen saturation above 93%.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale
A. Troponin levels are cardiac biomarkers that are elevated in the blood when there is damage to the heart muscle, such as during a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Verifying the schedule for troponin assessments is important to monitor for myocardial damage and to guide treatment decisions.
B. This action is aimed at creating a quiet and calm environment for the client, which can help reduce anxiety and minimize stimuli that might exacerbate symptoms. Creating a conducive environment is beneficial for the client's comfort and well-being but should not delay urgent interventions required for acute symptoms.
C. PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that can occur in individuals with CAD and may indicate increased cardiac irritability or instability. While monitoring PVCs is important for assessing cardiac rhythm and potential complications, it is not the immediate priority over addressing acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pressure.
D. Oxygen therapy is essential in the management of a client with suspected ACS to improve oxygenation and reduce cardiac workload. Maintaining oxygen saturation above 93% helps ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially during episodes of chest discomfort and potential myocardial ischemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale
A. While ensuring the room is secure and providing one-on-one observation are also important, the immediate concern after administering haloperidol is the potential for these side effects.
B. Continuous observation is crucial to monitor the client's behavior, mood, and safety while in seclusion. This allows the nurse to intervene promptly. However, monitoring should be specific
C. Seclusion is not intended as a punishment but as a therapeutic intervention to protect the client and others from harm during acute psychiatric episodes. The decision to release the client should be based on clinical assessment
D. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including dystonia (muscle spasms). Monitoring for EPS is essential after administering haloperidol to ensure early detection and treatment, which may involve administering anticholinergic medications if EPS occurs.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. The client's pH is low (acidotic), and the PaCO2 is high (respiratory acidosis). Increasing the rate of ventilation (respiratory rate) can help to decrease PaCO2 by increasing alveolar ventilation, thereby helping to correct respiratory acidosis.
B. Expiratory flow time affects the time available for exhalation. While this may affect the overall mechanics of ventilation, it is not directly targeting the primary issue of elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.
C. Increasing tidal volume increases the volume of air delivered with each breath. This can improve ventilation efficiency but may not address the underlying problem of elevated PaCO2 unless it leads to increased minute ventilation.
D. Expiratory pressure is related to positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), which helps maintain alveolar recruitment and improve oxygenation. Decreasing expiratory pressure may not directly address the elevated PaCO2 and acidosis.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.