A client with heart failure (HF) is waiting in the preoperative area for a scheduled procedure and tells the nurse, "My heart feels like it is beating too fast and I feel faint." After initiating a call for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Degree of skin elasticity.

Length of capillary refill.

Rhythm of apical pulse.

Volume of pedal pulses.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: The degree of skin elasticity is a measure often used to assess hydration status, especially in older adults. However, it does not provide direct information about the client's cardiac function or the cause of their current symptoms.

Choice B reason: The length of capillary refill is useful for assessing peripheral perfusion and overall circulatory status. While prolonged capillary refill can indicate poor perfusion, it does not provide specific information about heart rhythm or the cause of palpitations and faintness in a client with heart failure.

Choice C reason: The rhythm of the apical pulse is the most important assessment data to obtain in this scenario. The client's complaint of a fast-beating heart and feeling faint suggests a possible arrhythmia, which could be detected by assessing the rhythm of the apical pulse. This assessment can help identify irregular heartbeats, tachycardia, or other abnormalities that may require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: The volume of pedal pulses can provide information about peripheral circulation, but it is not as crucial as assessing the heart rhythm in a client experiencing palpitations and faintness. Peripheral pulse volume may not change significantly with certain arrhythmias or cardiac issues that affect the central circulation more directly.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A reason: Notifying the charge nurse that the client will need assignment to the COVID-19 specified area of the facility is an important action for infection control. However, the most immediate priority is to protect oneself and others by maintaining appropriate distance and using PPE.

Choice B reason: Placing the nasal swab specimen for COVID-19 directly into a biohazard bag is necessary for safe specimen handling and to prevent contamination. While important, it follows after ensuring that proper PPE is used and distancing measures are maintained.

Choice C reason: Maintaining a 6 feet (1.8 meters) distance from the client unless wearing an N95 respirator and personal protective equipment (PPE) for droplet precautions is the most crucial action. This step ensures the nurse’s safety and reduces the risk of virus transmission. Proper PPE and distancing protocols are essential in managing a suspected COVID-19 case.

Choice D reason: Starting an intravenous infusion for an antiviral drug to be administered for positive COVID-19 test results is part of the treatment plan if the test comes back positive. However, this step comes after ensuring safety through proper use of PPE and maintaining distance from the client.

A. Start pelvic floor exercises. B. Report fever or chills. C. Increase fluid intake to help with hydration. D. Tape urinary catheter securely to the thigh.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Starting pelvic floor exercises might be beneficial in the long term for improving urinary control after TURP. However, immediately following the surgery and while the indwelling catheter is in place, it may not be the appropriate time to begin these exercises. The nurse should clarify when and how to start pelvic floor exercises.

Choice B reason: Reporting fever or chills is crucial because these symptoms could indicate an infection, which requires prompt medical attention. This statement reflects an understanding of important post-operative care instructions and does not need clarification.

Choice C reason: Increasing fluid intake to help with hydration is important for clients with a urinary catheter. Adequate hydration helps flush the urinary system and prevent complications such as urinary tract infections. This statement does not need clarification.

Choice D reason: Taping the urinary catheter securely to the thigh helps prevent tension on the catheter and reduces the risk of accidental dislodgement or trauma. This instruction is correct and does not need clarification.

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A client with heart failure (HF) is waiting in the preoperative area for a scheduled procedure and tells the nurse, "My heart feels like it is beating too fast and I feel faint." After initiating a call for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is preparing to obtain a rapid coronavirus (COVID-19) test for a client who was exposed to the virus eight days ago. The client is experiencing fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Which action is most important for the nurse to take?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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