A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who is 4 hours post-operative coronary artery bypass surgery. The nurse performs the reassessment and suspects the client may be developing a pericardial effusion. What assessment findings would the nurse note in this case?

New systolic murmur

Diminished breath sounds

Diminished heart sounds

Increased blood pressure

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. A new systolic murmur is more indicative of valvular dysfunction or a septal defect rather than pericardial effusion.
B. Diminished breath sounds may be associated with atelectasis or pleural effusion but are not a hallmark finding of pericardial effusion.
C. Diminished heart sounds occur due to fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, which muffles heart tones and is a key sign of pericardial effusion.
D. Increased blood pressure is not characteristic of pericardial effusion. Instead, pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, which typically causes hypotension.

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While potassium is typically diluted in IV fluids, the concentration and infusion rate must be clarified before administration. A standard dilution is 10 mEq in 100 mL or 40 mEq in 1L, but this must be verified.
B. Calling the physician for clarification is the safest step. IV potassium should never be given undiluted or as an IV push due to the risk of fatal cardiac arrhythmias.
C. IV push potassium is never appropriate as it can cause cardiac arrest.
D. Administering the undiluted 20 mEq/mL solution is dangerous and requires proper dilution before administration.

A. "Cardiac Rehab will help you get back to normal." B. "The cardiac rehab program can help you safely return to an active lifestyle." C. "It's normal to feel that way at first, but once you learn the routine, you'll enjoy it." D. "Your doctor is the expert and would only recommend what is best for you."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. While cardiac rehab does help recovery, this statement does not emphasize the safety and long-term benefits of supervised rehabilitation.
B. Providing education about the role of cardiac rehab is essential. Cardiac rehab monitors the client's progress and helps safely return them to an active lifestyle.
C. While this statement acknowledges the client's feelings, it does not provide enough information about the benefits of cardiac rehab.
D. This response is too authoritative and does not address the client’s concerns or autonomy.

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A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who is 4 hours post-operative coronary artery bypass surgery. The nurse performs the reassessment and suspects the client may be developing a pericardial effusion. What assessment findings would the nurse note in this case?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is caring for a client who is ordered Potassium 40 mEq IV. On hand is Potassium Chloride 20 mEq/mL. What is the nurse’s next action?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is caring for a client post-transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). During the first cardiac rehabilitation session, the client tells the nurse, "I do not need to be here. I am feeling so much better, I can do this at home." Which of the following is the appropriate nursing response?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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