A nurse in a critical care unit is caring for a client who suﬀered a knife wound to the chest. The nurse suspects the client is developing cardiac tamponade. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as supporting this suspicion?

Flatened neck veins.

Bradycardia.

Sudden lethargy.

Muﬄed heart sounds.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because ﬂatened neck veins are not a sign of cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which ﬂuid accumulates in the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart, causing compression and impaired filling of the heart chambers. This leads to reduced cardiac output and hypotension. One of the manifestations of cardiac tamponade is distended neck veins due to increased venous pressure and impaired venous return.

Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect because bradycardia is not a sign of cardiac tamponade. Bradycardia is a condition in which the heart rate is slower than normal (less than 60 beats per minute). It may be caused by various factors such as vagal stimulation, medication side eﬀects, hypothyroidism, or sinus node dysfunction. It may cause symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, or syncope, but it does not indicate cardiac tamponade.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because sudden lethargy is not a specific sign of cardiac tamponade. Lethargy is a condition in which the person feels tired, sluggish, or drowsy. It may be caused by various factors such as sleep deprivation, depression, infection, anemia, or hypoglycemia. It may aﬀect the person's mental and physical performance, but it does not indicate cardiac tamponade.

Choice D Reason: This choice is correct because muﬄed heart sounds are a sign of cardiac tamponade. Muﬄed heart sounds are heart sounds that are fainter or softer than normal due to reduced transmission of sound waves through ﬂuid-filled pericardial sac. They may indicate that the heart function is compromised by cardiac tamponade and require immediate intervention such as pericardiocentesis (removal of ﬂuid from pericardial sac).

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because magnesium 2.5 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Magnesium is an electrolyte that plays a role in muscle and nerve function, blood pressure regulation, and energy production. The normal range for magnesium is 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/L.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because serum osmolality 290 mOsm/kg H2O is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. Serum osmolality is a measure of the concentration of solutes in the blood, such as sodium, glucose, and urea. The normal range for serum osmolality is 275 to 295 mOsm/kg H2O.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because blood urea nitrogen (BUN) 20 mg/dL is a normal value and does not indicate an increased risk of AKI. BUN is a measure of the amount of urea, a waste product of protein metabolism, in the blood. The normal range for BUN is 7 to 20 mg/dL.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because serum creatinine 1.8 mg/dL is an elevated value and indicates an increased risk of AKI. Creatinine is a waste product of muscle metabolism that is filtered by the kidneys. The normal range for serum creatinine is 0.6 to 1.2 mg/dL for women and 0.7 to 1.3 mg/dL for men. An increase in serum creatinine indicates a decrease in kidney function and glomerular filtration rate (GFR).

A. Administer a vasodilator medication. B. Elevate the head of the bed to 30°. C. Apply a cold compress to the forehead. D. Decrease the oxygen ﬂow rate.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because administering a vasodilator medication may lower the blood pressure and worsen the cerebral perfusion. A vasodilator medication is a drug that relaxes the blood vessels and reduces the resistance to blood ﬂow. It may be used for clients who have hypertension, angina, or heart failure, but it does not help to reduce the intracranial pressure (ICP).

Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because elevating the head of the bed to 30° may help to improve the venous drainage and decrease the ICP. ICP is the pressure exerted by the brain tissue, cerebrospinal ﬂuid (CSF), and blood within the cranial cavity. A normal ICP range is 5 to 15 mm Hg, and an elevated ICP (>20 mm Hg) can cause cerebral ischemia, herniation, or death. Therefore, positioning the client in a semi-Fowler's position (30° angle) or high- Fowler's position (60° to 90° angle) can facilitate breathing and prevent further complications.

Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because applying a cold compress to the forehead may cause vasoconstriction and increase the ICP. A cold compress is a device that applies cold temperature to a body part to reduce inﬂammation, pain, or swelling. It may be used for clients who have headaches, sprains, or bruises, but it does not help to reduce the ICP.

Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because decreasing the oxygen ﬂow rate may cause hypoxia and worsen the cerebral ischemia. Hypoxia is a condition in which the body or a part of it does not receive enough oxygen. It may cause symptoms such as confusion, agitation, or cyanosis. Therefore, providing adequate oxygenation and ventilation is essential to maintain the brain function and prevent further damage.

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A nurse in a critical care unit is caring for a client who suﬀered a knife wound to the chest. The nurse suspects the client is developing cardiac tamponade. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as supporting this suspicion?

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