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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
a.This is appropriate as regular, moderate exercise can help improve cardiovascular health and functional capacity in clients with heart failure. It is essential to discuss appropriate types and levels of exercise based on the individual’s condition.
b.This is incorrect because clients should be instructed to notify the provider if they gain 1 kg (2.2 lbs) in one day or 2 kg (4.4 lbs) in one week. A weight gain of 0.5 kg is not typically a threshold for concern.
c. Take diuretics early in the morning and before bedtime is wrong because it may disrupt the client's sleep patern and cause nocturia. The nurse should advise the client to take diuretics early in the morning and avoid taking them in the evening or at night, unless prescribed otherwise.
d. Take naproxen for generalized discomfort is wrong because naproxen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that can worsen heart failure by causing sodium and water retention, increasing blood pressure, and reducing the effectiveness of diuretics and other heart failure medications. The nurse should advise the client to avoid NSAIDs and use acetaminophen or other alternatives for pain relief, as prescribed by the provider.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should explain that cardiac enzyme studies measure the levels of certain enzymes, such as troponin, creatine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase, that are released into the bloodstream when the heart muscle is damaged by an MI. These tests help determine the degree of damage to the heart tissues, as well as the timing and severity of the MI.
"These tests will enable the provider to determine the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves." is wrong because cardiac enzyme studies do not provide information about the heart structure and mobility of the heart valves. Other tests, such as echocardiography or cardiac catheterization, may be used for this purpose.
"Cardiac enzymes will identify the location of the MI." is wrong because cardiac enzyme studies do not indicate the specific location of the MI within the heart. Other tests, such as electrocardiography or coronary angiography, may be used for this purpose.
"Cardiac enzymes assist in diagnosing the presence of pulmonary congestion." is wrong because cardiac enzyme studies do not directly assess the presence of pulmonary congestion, which is a complication of heart failure. Other signs and symptoms, such as dyspnea, crackles, and chest x-ray findings, may be used for this purpose.
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