A nurse is caring for a client who has a subarachnoid hemorrhage and asks why they are having a CT angiography. Which of the following should the nurse understand about CT angiography?

A. Comply with compression therapy:

Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.

Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:

Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.

However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.

C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:

Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:

Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.

Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.

Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.

A. "I can't eat as much as I used to": While changes in eating habits may be related to various factors, such as appetite changes or difficulty chewing/swallowing, this statement does not specifically indicate how hearing loss affects the client's ability to perform ADLs.

B. "I get dizzy when I nod my head": This statement suggests that the client is experiencing dizziness, which could be related to hearing loss affecting their sense of balance. Dizziness can significantly impact the client's ability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs) safely, such as walking, cooking, or bathing, as it increases the risk of falls and injury.

C. "I wash my hair every other day": This statement describes a personal hygiene habit and does not directly indicate how hearing loss affects the client's ability to perform ADLs.

D. "I walk my dog at least twice a day": This statement describes an activity the client engages in and does not directly indicate how hearing loss affects the client's ability to perform ADLs. Walking a dog does not necessarily require hearing ability, as it primarily involves physical movement and visual observation.