A nurse in a cardiac care unit is caring for a client with acute right-sided heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Increased pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP).
Elevated central venous pressure (CVP).
Decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP).
Decreased specific gravity
The Correct Answer is B
Right-sided heart failure is a condition in which the right ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the lungs, causing a backup of blood in the systemic circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the right atrium and the vena cava, which can be measured by the central venous pressure (CVP). A normal CVP is 2 to 6 mm Hg, but in right-sided heart failure, it can rise above 10 mm Hg. Symptoms of right-sided heart failure include peripheral edema, jugular venous distension, hepatomegaly, ascites, and weight gain.
a. Increased pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of left-sided heart failure, not right-sided heart failure. Left-sided heart failure is a condition in which the left ventricle fails to pump blood effectively to the systemic circulation, causing a backup of blood in the pulmonary circulation. This leads to increased pressure in the left atrium and the pulmonary capillaries, which can be measured by the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). A normal PAWP is 6 to 12 mm Hg, but in left-sided heart failure, it can rise above 18 mm Hg. Symptoms of left-sided heart failure include dyspnea, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, crackles in the lungs, and pink frothy sputum.
c. Decreased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of normal or reduced cardiac function, not heart failure. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone secreted by the cardiac cells in response to increased stretch and pressure in the ventricles. It acts as a diuretic and a vasodilator, lowering blood volume and blood pressure. BNP is used as a biomarker for diagnosing and monitoring heart failure, as it reflects the degree of ventricular dysfunction. A normal BNP level is less than 100 pg/mL, but in heart failure, it can rise above 400 pg/mL.
d. Decreased specific gravity. This statement is incorrect because it describes a finding of dilute urine, not concentrated urine. Specific gravity is a measure of the concentration of solutes in urine, reflecting the ability of the kidneys to regulate fluid balance. A normal specific gravity is 1.005 to 1.030, but it can vary depending on fluid intake and output, hydration status, and renal function. In right-sided heart failure, fluid retention and reduced renal perfusion can cause oliguria and increased specific gravity of urine.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. The radial pulse in the left arm can be palpated after a cardiac catheterization with a left antecubital insertion site. Although the focus is typically on the site of insertion and the brachial pulse, the radial pulse in the left arm can still provide useful information about circulation in that limb.
B. The radial pulse in the right arm is not pertinent because the catheterization was performed on the left side.
C. The brachial pulse in the left arm is indeed important to assess, but palpating the radial pulse in the left arm is also valid to check for circulation.
D. The brachial pulse in the right arm is not relevant in this scenario, as it does not relate to the site of catheterization.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Alcohol should be limited to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men; three drinks a day exceeds recommended limits.
B. Reducing saturated fat intake to around 10 percent of daily calories helps manage hypertension and supports overall cardiovascular health.
C. Diuretics are commonly prescribed for hypertension, but medication choice depends on the client’s individual needs and risk factors; it is not universally the first-line option.
D. Achieving goal blood pressure varies among clients and may take longer than 2 months; it cannot be guaranteed within a specific timeframe.
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