A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with heart failure and atrial fibrillation. The client reports feeling palpitations and shortness of breath. The nurse is aware that clients with atrial fibrillation are at risk for which complication?
Hypertensive crisis
Cardiogenic shock
Embolic cerebral vascular accident
Flash pulmonary edema
The Correct Answer is C
A. Hypertensive crisis is not a direct complication of atrial fibrillation. It is typically caused by uncontrolled hypertension rather than arrhythmias.
B. Cardiogenic shock can occur in severe heart failure but is not a primary complication of atrial fibrillation.
C. Embolic cerebral vascular accident (stroke) is a major risk for clients with atrial fibrillation. The irregular atrial contractions allow blood to pool in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. If a clot dislodges, it can travel to the brain and cause a stroke.
D. Flash pulmonary edema is a complication of acute decompensated heart failure but is not directly caused by atrial fibrillation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Digoxin is a positive inotropic agent, meaning it increases the force of cardiac contractions. This helps improve cardiac output in patients with heart failure.
B. Digoxin does not decrease the force of contractions; instead, it strengthens them, making it beneficial for heart failure treatment.
C. Digoxin is commonly used in heart failure management, particularly in cases of systolic dysfunction or atrial fibrillation.
D. Digoxin decreases heart rate by slowing conduction through the atrioventricular (AV) node, making it useful in atrial fibrillation, but its primary benefit in heart failure is increasing contractility.
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Increased appetite is not a symptom of worsening right-sided heart failure; clients may actually experience nausea or anorexia due to fluid congestion in the gastrointestinal system.
B. Distended neck veins (jugular venous distension) indicate increased venous pressure and systemic congestion, which are signs of worsening right-sided heart failure.
C. Worsening lower extremity edema occurs due to fluid retention and poor venous return, which are hallmark signs of right-sided heart failure.
D. Feeling fatigued is common as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to decreased oxygen delivery to tissues.
E. Unable to lie flat (orthopnea) is typically associated with left-sided heart failure but can also occur in right-sided failure due to fluid overload and pulmonary congestion.
F. Weight gain >2 lb in 24 hours suggests significant fluid retention and worsening heart failure, requiring prompt medical attention.
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