A nurse in a provider's office is assessing a client who reports dyspnea and fatigue. Physical assessment reveals tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses. The nurse should recognize these findings as manifestations of which of the following conditions?
Asthma
Aortic valve regurgitation
Heart failure
Aortic stenosis
The Correct Answer is D
Aortic stenosis is a narrowing of the aortic valve that obstructs blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta. This causes increased pressure in the left ventricle, which can lead to left ventricular hypertrophy and reduced cardiac output. Symptoms of aortic stenosis include dyspnea, fatigue, chest pain, syncope, and palpitations. Tachycardia and weak peripheral pulses are signs of decreased cardiac output.
The other options are not correct because:
- Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways that causes bronchoconstriction, mucus production, and wheezing. It does not affect the heart valves or cardiac output.
- Aortic valve regurgitation is a leakage of blood back into the left ventricle from the aorta during diastole. This causes volume overload and increased pressure in the left ventricle, which can lead to left ventricular dilation and heart failure. Symptoms of aortic valve regurgitation include dyspnea, orthopnea, palpitations, and a high-pitched blowing diastolic murmur. Peripheral pulses are typically bounding and pulse pressure is widened.
- Heart failure is a syndrome of impaired cardiac function that results in inadequate perfusion of tissues. It can be caused by various cardiac disorders, such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, cardiomyopathy, or valvular disease. Symptoms of heart failure include dyspnea, fatigue, edema, orthopnea, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea, and crackles in the lungs. Peripheral pulses may be weak or normal depending on the type and severity of heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Aphasia is a language disorder that affects the ability to understand or produce speech. It can be caused by damage to the brain regions that control language, such as from a stroke. Depending on the type and severity of aphasia, the client may have difficulty with comprehension, expression, reading, or writing. Communication strategies for clients with aphasia include using nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, pictures, or objects, to supplement verbal messages and enhance understanding.
The other options are not correct because:
a. "Use simple, childlike statements when speaking." This statement is incorrect because it is patronizing and disrespectful to the client. The client's cognitive and intellectual abilities are not affected by aphasia, only their language skills. The nurse should use simple and clear sentences, but not childish or demeaning ones.
c. "Use a higher-pitched tone of voice when speaking." This statement is incorrect because it is unnecessary and may be irritating to the client. The client's hearing is not affected by aphasia, only their language processing. The nurse should use a normal tone of voice and speak slowly and clearly.
d. "Ask multiple choice questions as part of the conversation." This statement is incorrect because it may be confusing and frustrating to the client. The client may have difficulty with verbal output or comprehension, and
multiple choice questions may add to their cognitive load. The nurse should ask yes or no questions or use gestures or pictures to elicit responses from the client.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Nitroglycerin is a vasodilator that relaxes smooth muscle in blood vessels and reduces myocardial oxygen demand. It is used to treat and prevent angina atacks. A common side effect of nitroglycerin is headache, which is caused by cerebral vasodilation. The nurse should advise the client to take a mild analgesic, such as acetaminophen, to relieve the headache. The headache usually subsides with continued use of nitroglycerin.
The other options are not correct because:
"Take only one dose of nitroglycerin to reduce the risk of getting a headache." This statement is incorrect because it may compromise the effectiveness of nitroglycerin in relieving angina. The client should follow the prescribed dosage and frequency of nitroglycerin, which is usually one tablet every 5 minutes for up to three doses, as needed for chest pain.
"There's nothing that can be done to relieve the headaches that nitroglycerin causes." This statement is incorrect because it is discouraging and dismissive of the client's concern. The nurse should acknowledge the client's
discomfort and offer suggestions for managing the side effect, such as taking a mild analgesic or lying down in a dark room.
"We will ask the provider to prescribe a different medication for you." This statement is incorrect because it implies that nitroglycerin is not suitable for the client and may cause unnecessary anxiety or confusion. The nurse should explain that nitroglycerin is an effective and safe medication for angina and that the headache is a common and transient side effect that can be managed with simple measures. The nurse should also inform the client that there are other forms of nitroglycerin, such as patches or sprays, that may have less headache-inducing effects. However, changing the medication or the route of administration should be done only after consulting with the provider.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.