A nurse cares for a patient recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery. The patient asks, "Why will I need to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?" What is the best response by the nurse?

"Blood clots form more easily in mechanical replacement valves."

"The vein taken from your leg reduces circulation in the leg."

"The valve replacement surgery left a lot of small clots in your heart and lungs."

"The mechanical valve places you at greater risk for a heart attack."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A reason: Blood clots form more easily in mechanical replacement valves due to the artificial surface of the valve, which can cause the blood to clot more readily. This increases the risk of thromboembolic events, such as stroke or valve obstruction. Therefore, patients with mechanical valves need to take anticoagulants for life to prevent clot formation and ensure the valve functions effectively.

Choice B reason: The statement that the vein taken from the leg reduces circulation in the leg is incorrect in this context. Vein grafts from the leg are typically used in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, not in valve replacement surgery. Therefore, this explanation does not apply to the patient's situation of needing anticoagulants after valve replacement surgery.

Choice C reason: The idea that the valve replacement surgery left a lot of small clots in the heart and lungs is not accurate. The surgery itself does not leave clots; rather, the ongoing risk of clot formation is due to the presence of the mechanical valve. This risk necessitates lifelong anticoagulation.

Choice D reason: The mechanical valve does not place the patient at a greater risk for a heart attack specifically. The concern with mechanical valves is the increased risk of blood clot formation, which is why anticoagulants are prescribed. Heart attacks are typically caused by blockages in the coronary arteries, which is a different issue.

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","E"]

Explanation

Choice A reason: Placing the client in a side-lying position is beneficial for comfort and can help alleviate pain in clients with acute pancreatitis. This position can reduce pressure on the pancreas and improve circulation, helping to manage pain and discomfort effectively.

Choice B reason: Administering hydromorphone for pain as prescribed is essential in managing acute abdominal pain associated with acute pancreatitis. Pain control is a priority in the care of these clients because unmanaged pain can lead to increased stress and further complications. Hydromorphone, a potent opioid analgesic, helps to effectively manage severe pain.

Choice C reason: Obtaining daily weights is important for monitoring a client's nutritional status and fluid balance, but it is not directly related to the immediate management of acute abdominal pain in acute pancreatitis. While it is a relevant intervention, it is not as critical as the other measures listed.

Choice D reason: Maintaining a high-calorie, high-protein diet is not appropriate for a client with acute pancreatitis. In fact, clients with acute pancreatitis are often placed on a nil-per-os (NPO) status initially to rest the pancreas and reduce enzyme secretion. Once the inflammation subsides, a low-fat, bland diet may be introduced gradually.

Choice E reason: Monitoring the client's respiratory status is crucial because clients with acute pancreatitis are at risk for respiratory complications, such as pleural effusion, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), or atelectasis. Close monitoring ensures early detection and intervention for any respiratory issues that may arise.

A. Maintain nothing by mouth (NPO) and administer intravenous fluids. B. Provide small, frequent feedings with no concentrated sweets. C. Administer morphine sulfate intramuscularly every 4 hours as needed. D. Position the patient in a flat, supine position to decrease discomfort.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A reason: Maintaining nothing by mouth (NPO) and administering intravenous fluids is the best intervention to reduce discomfort in a patient with acute pancreatitis. NPO status helps to rest the pancreas by preventing the secretion of pancreatic enzymes that can exacerbate inflammation and pain. Intravenous fluids are essential to maintain hydration and electrolyte balance while the patient is not eating or drinking.

Choice B reason: Providing small, frequent feedings with no concentrated sweets is not appropriate for a patient with acute pancreatitis. The priority is to keep the patient NPO to rest the pancreas. Introducing any food can stimulate the pancreas and worsen the condition.

Choice C reason: Administering morphine sulfate intramuscularly every 4 hours as needed can help manage pain, but the preferred route for pain medication in acute pancreatitis is intravenous, as it provides quicker relief and avoids the discomfort of intramuscular injections. Pain management is important, but it should be part of a broader plan that includes NPO status and IV fluids.

Choice D reason: Positioning the patient in a flat, supine position is not recommended for reducing discomfort in acute pancreatitis. Patients often find relief in a semi-Fowler's position (head elevated) or by leaning forward, which can help reduce abdominal pain and pressure on the inflamed pancreas.

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 nurse cares for a patient recovering from mechanical valve replacement surgery. The patient asks, "Why will I need to take anticoagulants for the rest of my life?" What is the best response by the nurse?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

When providing care for a client hospitalized with acute pancreatitis who has acute abdominal pain, which nursing interventions would be most appropriate for this client? Select all that apply.

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

Explanation

A nurse plans care for a patient with acute pancreatitis. Which intervention would the nurse include in this patient's plan of care to reduce discomfort?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A client is admitted to the emergency department with a full-thickness burn to the right arm. Upon assessment, the arm is edematous, the fingers are mottled, and the radial pulse is now absent. The client states that the pain is 8/10. What is the priority action the nurse should take?

A nurse in an emergency department is reviewing the medical record of a client who has an extensive burn injury. Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse expect?

The nurse gets hand-off report on four patients. Which patient would the nurse assess first?

The nurse correlates which rationale with the administration of aspirin to the client experiencing angina-like chest pain?

A nurse is caring for a patient with atrial fibrillation. In addition to an antidysrhythmic, what medication does the nurse plan to administer?

A nurse is caring for a postoperative 70-kg patient who had major blood loss during surgery and now has acute kidney injury. The patient does not have signs of fluid overload. Which intervention would be most effective as a fluid challenge to promote kidney perfusion?

A nurse cares for a patient who has burn injuries. The patient's wife asks, "When will his high risk for infection decrease?" How would the nurse respond?