A nurse is assessing a client who has mitral valve stenosis Which of the following findings should the nurse except?
Clubbing of the fingers
A heart murmur
Barrel chest
Bradycardia
The Correct Answer is B
A) Clubbing of the fingers
Clubbing of the fingers is typically associated with chronic hypoxia, often due to conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), congenital heart defects, or chronic respiratory disorders. While mitral valve stenosis can lead to pulmonary congestion and sometimes hypoxia, clubbing is not a hallmark finding of mitral valve stenosis.
B) A heart murmur
Mitral valve stenosis is commonly characterized by a heart murmur. The stenosis (narrowing) of the mitral valve obstructs blood flow from the left atrium to the left ventricle, leading to turbulent blood flow. This creates a characteristic diastolic murmur (a low-pitched, rumbling murmur heard best at the apex of the heart with the patient in the left lateral decubitus position).
C) Barrel chest
A barrel chest is more commonly associated with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), emphysema, and other conditions that cause long-term hyperinflation of the lungs. It is not a typical finding in mitral valve stenosis. The shape of the chest may change over time in patients with severe left-sided heart failure, but this is not a primary or direct consequence of mitral valve stenosis.
D) Bradycardia
Bradycardia (a slow heart rate) is not a characteristic finding of mitral valve stenosis. In fact, mitral valve stenosis can lead to increased heart rates due to reduced cardiac output and compensatory mechanisms. As the left atrium becomes increasingly distended from the obstruction, atrial fibrillation (a rapid, irregular heartbeat) is common in mitral valve stenosis.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Prepare for chest tube insertion:
The priority treatment for a hemothorax, which is a collection of blood in the pleural space, is to address the loss of intravascular volume and to relieve the pressure on the lungs. The insertion of a chest tube is the first step in draining the blood and restoring proper lung function and ventilation. This intervention directly addresses the cause of obstructive shock (increased pressure on the lungs and impaired cardiac output) by re-expanding the lung and preventing further complications such as respiratory distress or cardiovascular collapse.
B) Chart assessment findings:
While accurate documentation of the patient's condition is important for ongoing care and legal purposes, it is not the priority action in this situation. Immediate treatment to address the hemothorax, such as chest tube insertion, takes precedence over documentation. Charting should be done after stabilizing the patient.
C) Administer lorazepam:
Lorazepam is an anxiolytic medication that might be used for anxiety or agitation, but it is not an immediate priority in this situation. The patient's life-threatening condition (hemothorax) needs to be addressed first, and sedation or anxiety management should be considered once the patient is stabilized and receiving appropriate interventions.
D) Initiate IV fluid resuscitation:
While fluid resuscitation is essential in trauma patients with hypovolemic shock, the primary concern in hemothorax is relieving the intrathoracic pressure by draining the blood from the pleural space. IV fluid resuscitation should be initiated shortly after or simultaneously with the chest tube insertion, but addressing the hemothorax directly is the first priority in treating obstructive shock.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Ensure bed alarm is on when leaving patient's room:
The cerebellum plays a critical role in coordinating movement, balance, and motor control. An injury to this area can lead to impaired coordination and dysfunction in balance, making it difficult for the patient to perform the Romberg test (which evaluates balance and proprioception). Given that the patient cannot complete the Romberg test, this suggests the risk of falling or injuring themselves due to impaired balance and coordination. The priority nursing intervention is to ensure safety by using a bed alarm to alert staff if the patient attempts to get out of bed, thereby preventing falls.
B) Vary schedule to prevent memorization and boredom:
While changing the patient's routine may help with engagement, it is not the priority intervention for a patient with cerebellar injury. The primary concern in this situation is safety due to the patient's impaired balance. Addressing issues related to cognitive function or boredom may be important but comes after ensuring the patient’s physical safety.
C) Clarify misinformation and reorient when confused:
Reorientation may be necessary if the patient is confused or disoriented, but this is not the primary concern related to cerebellar injury. The patient’s balance and motor coordination are the most pressing issues. While mental clarity is important, preventing falls due to impaired motor control is the immediate priority.
D) Deep breathing and incentive spirometer education:
Deep breathing exercises and using an incentive spirometer are essential to prevent respiratory complications, particularly after surgery or immobility. However, in this case, the priority concern is the patient's safety related to impaired balance from the cerebellar injury. Respiratory interventions are important but should be addressed after ensuring that the patient is safe from falls and other immediate physical risks.
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