A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who suffered a knife wound to the chest. The nurse suspects the client is developing cardiac tamponade. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as supporting this suspicion?

Bradycardia.

Muffled heart sounds

Flattened neck veins.

Sudden lethargy.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

B. Muffled heart sounds, often described as distant or indistinct, are classic findings in cardiac tamponade. The accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac dampens the transmission of sound from the heart to the chest wall, resulting in muffled heart sounds on auscultation. This finding is known as Beck's triad, which also includes hypotension and jugular venous distention.

A. Bradycardia is not a typical finding in cardiac tamponade. In fact, tachycardia is more commonly observed due to the compensatory response to decreased cardiac output and decreased stroke volume. The sympathetic nervous system is activated, leading to an increase in heart rate as a compensatory mechanism to maintain cardiac output.

C. Flattened neck veins are not consistent with cardiac tamponade. In cardiac tamponade, jugular venous distention (JVD) is typically observed due to increased venous pressure resulting from impaired right ventricular filling. The presence of JVD is an important clinical finding in cardiac tamponade and can help differentiate it from other causes of shock.

D. Sudden lethargy can occur in various medical emergencies, including cardiac tamponade, but it is not a specific or diagnostic finding for this condition. In cardiac tamponade, symptoms may include dyspnea, chest pain, hypotension, and signs of decreased cardiac output such as cool extremities and altered mental status. However, sudden lethargy alone may not be specific enough to confirm cardiac tamponade.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

D. A drop in oxygen saturation may indicate inadequate oxygenation, which could be due to airway obstruction or retained secretions.

A. While audible expiratory wheezes may indicate airway obstruction or secretions, they do not necessarily indicate the need for suctioning in a patient receiving mechanical ventilation.

B. An elevated respiratory rate may suggest increased work of breathing, which could be due to retained secretions or airway obstruction. However, an elevated respiratory rate alone may not always indicate the need for suctioning.

C. The timing of the last suctioning episode is an important consideration when determining the need for suctioning. However, it should not be the sole indicator for when to suction.

A. Flushing B. Vomiting C. Dyspnea D. Bradycardia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

C Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is a classic symptom of circulatory overload. When the circulatory system is overloaded with excess fluid, it can lead to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange, resulting in dyspnea. Patients experiencing circulatory overload may exhibit signs such as shortness of breath, increased respiratory rate, and crackles on lung auscultation.

A Flushing, or the sudden reddening of the skin, is not typically associated with circulatory overload. Instead, it can be a symptom of various conditions such as fever, allergic reactions, or hormonal changes. While circulatory overload may lead to fluid retention and increased blood volume, flushing is not a characteristic symptom.

B Vomiting is also not a typical symptom of circulatory overload. Vomiting can be caused by various factors such as anesthesia, pain medications, or postoperative ileus. While fluid overload can result in gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and abdominal discomfort, vomiting is not a specific indicator of circulatory overload.

D Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically associated with circulatory overload. Instead, it can be caused by factors such as medications (e.g., opioids, beta-blockers), vagal stimulation, or underlying cardiac conditions. In circulatory overload, the body's compensatory response is often tachycardia (increased heart rate) rather than bradycardia.

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A nurse is caring for a client in a critical care unit who suffered a knife wound to the chest. The nurse suspects the client is developing cardiac tamponade. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse identify as supporting this suspicion?

Nursing Test Bank

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Which assessment finding by the nurse caring for a patient receiving mechanical ventilation indicates the need for suctioning?

Correct Answer is D

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Correct Answer is C

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