A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?

Dependent edema

Pericardial friction rub

Paradoxical pulse

Substernal chest pain

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Dependent edema can occur with pericarditis but does not indicate an immediate life-threatening complication.
B. A pericardial friction rub is a common finding in pericarditis and helps confirm the diagnosis but is not the priority.
C. A paradoxical pulse (an exaggerated decrease in systolic blood pressure during inspiration) is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis, and requires immediate intervention.
D. Substernal chest pain is expected with pericarditis and is usually relieved by sitting up and leaning forward, but it is not the most urgent concern.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Constipation: While constipation can be uncomfortable, it is not typically considered an immediate threat to a patient's health in a cardiac unit setting. It requires assessment and intervention but is not the highest priority.

B. Indigestion can be a subtle symptom of myocardial infarction (MI) or acute coronary syndrome (ACS), particularly in older adults, women, or clients with diabetes. Clients experiencing "indigestion" may be describing chest discomfort, which requires immediate assessment to rule out a cardiac event. Early identification and intervention for cardiac symptoms are critical to prevent further complications.

C. Swollen ankles can indicate fluid retention, which is a common sign of heart failure. While this symptom requires attention, it does not typically indicate an immediate life-threatening issue compared to potential cardiac ischemia associated with "indigestion."

D. Urinary frequency: This could be related to medications or other conditions. While it should be addressed, it is not the most critical issue compared to potential acute cardiac symptoms.

A. A client who has heart failure and reports shortness of breath while ambulating B. A client who has abdominal pain and is vomiting coffee-ground emesis C. A client who has benign prostatic hyperplasia and is unable to urinate D. A client who had an open cholecystectomy and has green drainage from the T-tube

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This client's symptom of shortness of breath while ambulating indicates possible worsening heart failure, which requires prompt assessment but is not immediately life-threatening.

B. Vomiting coffee-ground emesis suggests upper gastrointestinal bleeding, which could be

indicative of a serious condition such as a gastrointestinal ulcer or tear and requires immediate assessment to determine the cause and initiate appropriate treatment.

C. While urinary retention in a client with benign prostatic hyperplasia requires attention, it is not as urgent as upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

D. Green drainage from the T-tube in a client who had an open cholecystectomy may indicate bile leakage, which requires assessment and intervention, but upper gastrointestinal bleeding takes precedence due to its potential for rapid deterioration.

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A nurse is assessing a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following findings is the priority?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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