A client with coronary artery disease complains of chest pain while brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Perform a 12-lead electrocardiogram and call a rapid response.

Withhold the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives.

Instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair.

Call the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: Performing a 12-lead electrocardiogram and calling a rapid response is not the first action that the nurse should take. A 12-lead electrocardiogram is a test that measures the electrical activity of the heart and can help diagnose a heart attack or other cardiac problems. ¹ A rapid response is a team of healthcare professionals that can provide immediate care to a client who is experiencing a life-threatening emergency. ² However, these actions are not the priority for a client who has chest pain while brushing their teeth. The nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before performing any tests or calling for help.

Choice B reason: Withholding the client's medications until the healthcare provider arrives is not the first action that the nurse should take. The client's medications may include drugs that can relieve chest pain, such as nitroglycerin, aspirin, or beta-blockers. ³ These drugs can help dilate the blood vessels, prevent blood clots, or reduce the workload of the heart. ³ The nurse should not withhold these medications, as they may help the client's condition and prevent further complications. The nurse should check the client's medication orders and administer them as prescribed.

Choice C reason: Instructing the client to stop the activity and provide a chair is the first action that the nurse should take. Chest pain is a common symptom of coronary artery disease, which is a condition where the arteries that supply blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked by plaque. ⁴ Chest pain can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, such as brushing the teeth, which can increase the heart rate and blood pressure. ⁵ The nurse should instruct the client to stop the activity and provide a chair, as this can help reduce the stress on the heart and ease the chest pain. The nurse should also monitor the client's vital signs and oxygen saturation, and provide oxygen if needed.

Choice D reason: Calling the healthcare provider immediately about the client's complaint is not the first action that the nurse should take. The healthcare provider may need to be notified about the client's condition, especially if the chest pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by other symptoms, such as shortness of breath, nausea, or sweating. ⁵ However, the nurse should first assess the client's condition and provide comfort measures before calling the healthcare provider. The nurse should also be prepared to initiate emergency protocols if the chest pain does not improve or worsens.

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 D

Explanation

Choice A reason: I will call dietary to bring you breakfast is not the best response by the nurse. This response may imply that the nurse is willing to compromise the test results or the client's safety by allowing them to eat before the test. The nurse should explain the rationale for fasting and offer the client some water or ice chips if allowed.

Choice B reason: Food may interact with the dye that is used for the test is not the best response by the nurse. This response may be partially true, but it is not specific or clear enough to justify the need for fasting. The nurse should explain that food can affect the absorption and distribution of the radioactive tracer that is injected into the bloodstream for the test, and that eating can also interfere with the quality of the images.

Choice C reason: I will ask the health care provider if the test can be rescheduled is not the best response by the nurse. This response may suggest that the nurse is not confident or knowledgeable about the test protocol or the client's condition. The nurse should explain the importance and urgency of the test and reassure the client that they will be able to eat after the test is done.

Choice D reason: The procedure is usually completed on an empty stomach is the best response by the nurse. This response is accurate and concise, and it informs the client of the standard preparation for the test. The nurse should also provide more details about the test procedure and the expected duration, and answer any questions or concerns that the client may have.

A. Admission blood pressure is 110/70. B. Client has multiple food and drug allergies. C. Pedal pulses are 1+ bilaterally. D. Client is slightly anxious.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Admission blood pressure is 110/70 is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a normal blood pressure reading for an adult client and does not indicate any contraindication or complication for the cardiac angiogram.

Choice B reason: Client has multiple food and drug allergies is the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a critical information that may affect the choice of contrast agent, medications, or equipment used for the cardiac angiogram. The nurse should identify the specific allergens and the type and severity of the allergic reactions that the client has experienced in the past.

Choice C reason: Pedal pulses are 1+ bilaterally is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a low-normal finding for the strength of the peripheral pulses and does not indicate any significant vascular impairment or obstruction. The nurse should document and monitor the pedal pulses, but not necessarily report them.

Choice D reason: Client is slightly anxious is not the information that the nurse must report to the health care provider prior to the procedure. This is a common and expected emotional response for a client who is undergoing an invasive diagnostic test and does not require any immediate intervention. The nurse should provide reassurance and education to the client and address any concerns or questions that they may have.

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 coronary artery disease complains of chest pain while brushing their teeth in the bathroom. Which action should the nurse implement first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The client, who is scheduled for a nuclear stress test, tells the nurse that the breakfast tray was not delivered and complains of hunger. The nurse's best response is:

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse has obtained assessment data for a client who is scheduled for a cardiac angiogram (catheterization). Which information must the nurse report to the health care provider prior to the procedure?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

The client is prescribed rosuvastatin 10 mg PO daily. What information will the nurse provide in the teaching about this medication?

The nurse is assisting a client diagnosed with hypertension with menu selection. Which items should the nurse suggest?

The client diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency presents to the outpatient department for the follow-up evaluation. Which nursing assessment finding indicates that the treatment has been effective? The client:

The nurse prepares to administer digoxin 0.125 mg PO to a client who has chronic heart failure. The laboratory report reveals a digoxin level of 2.5 mg/mL. Which nursing action is most appropriate at this time?

The nurse is teaching a client with hypertension about the prescribed hydrochlorothiazide 10 mg PO daily. Which statement, made by the client, would indicate that the teaching has been effective? "I will:

The nurse instructs a client diagnosed with hypertension and coronary artery disease who has been given a new prescription for carvedilol 6.25 mg PO bid to:

The nurse is evaluating the effects of the prescribed carvedilol 6.25 mg PO daily for a client with a history of unstable angina. Which of the following reflects that the medication has been effective?

A client reports weakness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting that has lasted for three days. The nurse's assessment reveals dry tongue and oral mucosa, and dark concentrated urine. Which additional assessment would best evaluate the client's fluid status?