A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who is experiencing chest pain. Physical Examination
0900:
Client admitted with a report of chest pain radiating to the left arm, sweating, shortness of breath, and epigastric discomfort
Client awake, alert, and oriented x3.
Lung sounds clear bilaterally, S1S2 heart sounds noted.
All pulses palpable.
Skin cool and diaphoretic to touch.
Rates pain as 6 on a 0 to 10 pain scale.
tachycardia with ST elevation. Provider notified.
Medication Administration Record:
Sildenafil 50 mg PO once daily
Simvastatin 40 mg PO once daily
Metoprolol 100 mg PO once daily
Multivitamin once daily
The nurse is reviewing the client's assessment data to prepare the plan of care. What is the potential condition for this client? Select one (1) answer.
Ischemic Stroke
Chronic Stable Angina
Myocardial Infarction
Cardiogenic Shock
The Correct Answer is C
The client's presentation of chest pain radiating to the left arm, sweating, shortness of breath, epigastric discomfort, cool and diaphoretic skin, tachycardia, and ST elevation on the electrocardiogram (ECG) are indicative of myocardial infarction (heart attack). These symptoms and findings are typical of acute coronary syndrome, specifically an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
Option A (Ischemic Stroke) is not the correct answer because the symptoms described in the client's presentation are primarily related to the cardiovascular system and not indicative of an ischemic stroke.
Option B (Chronic Stable Angina) is not the correct answer because chronic stable angina typically presents with chest pain on exertion or stress, and it usually subsides with rest or nitroglycerin. The client's symptoms of chest pain at rest, along with other findings, are more concerning for an acute cardiac event like a myocardial infarction.
Option D (Cardiogenic Shock) is a severe complication that can occur following a myocardial infarction, but the information provided in the scenario does not suggest that the client is in cardiogenic shock at this time. The client's blood pressure is not mentioned in the scenario, which is a crucial parameter to assess for cardiogenic shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Diuretics are the primary class of drugs used to treat volume overload in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). These medications help to increase urine output, reducing the overall fluid volume in the body and relieving congestion in the lungs and other tissues.
The goal of using diuretics in ADHF is to alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema (swelling), and fluid retention by promoting the elimination of excess fluid. The most commonly used diuretics in this setting are loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide), which have a potent diuretic effect and can rapidly reduce fluid overload.
While narcotics, vasodilators, and positive inotropes may have roles in specific cases of ADHF, they are not the primary drugs used to treat volume overload. Narcotics may be used for pain management, vasodilators to reduce afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against), and positive inotropes to increase the heart's contractility in certain situations. However, the first-line treatment for volume overload in ADHF is diuretic therapy.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Discharge teaching for a client with heart failure and reduced ejection fraction should prioritize education about medications that are essential in managing heart failure, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors.
ACE inhibitors are a class of medications commonly prescribed to heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction. They work by dilating blood vessels, reducing the workload on the heart, and improving the heart's pumping ability. They are one of the cornerstones of heart failure management and have been shown to reduce symptoms, improve quality of life, and prolong survival in heart failure patients.
Educating the client about the benefits and effects of ACE inhibitors is crucial to promote medication adherence and ensure they understand the importance of taking this medication as prescribed. Common side effects, such as dizziness or dry cough, should also be discussed so the client knows what to expect and when to notify their healthcare provider.
While the other options may also be relevant to a client with heart failure, including starting an aerobic exercise program (A), reducing salt intake (B), and scheduling regular follow-up appointments (C), the immediate priority in discharge teaching should be about the medication regimen and the specific benefits and effects of ACE inhibitors. Other aspects of heart failure management can be addressed during the overall education and follow-up sessions.
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