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A nurse is caring for a client who has heart failure.

<div id="exhibits">Exhibits</div>

For each potential provider's prescription, click to specify if the prescription is essential (high priority) non-essential (low priority) or contraindicated(unrelated) for the client.

A.

Furosemide

B.

Echocardiogram

C.

Aspirin

D.

Losartan

E.

Cardiac catheterization

F.

Chest X-ray

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"C"},"D":{"answers":"A"},"E":{"answers":"B"},"F":{"answers":"A"}}

Furosemide: Furosemide is a diuretic that is commonly used to manage fluid overload in patients with heart failure. The patient has significant pitting edema, increasing dyspnea, and elevated BNP levels, indicating worsening heart failure. Administering furosemide is a high priority to reduce fluid overload and relieve symptoms.

Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram can provide valuable information about heart function.

Aspirin: Aspirin is typically used for its antiplatelet effects in conditions like coronary artery disease. It is not essential for managing acute symptoms of heart failure. The patient’s primary issue is fluid overload rather than a clotting concern.

Losartan: Losartan, an angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), is commonly used in the management of chronic heart failure to reduce afterload and prevent further cardiac remodeling. It is essential as part of the long-term management plan for heart failure.

Cardiac catheterization: Cardiac catheterization is an invasive procedure typically used to assess coronary artery disease or for interventional procedures. It is not indicated for the acute management of heart failure symptoms and could pose unnecessary risks in this context.

Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray is essential to assess the extent of pulmonary congestion and rule out other causes of respiratory distress, such as pneumonia or pleural effusion, which are important in managing a patient with worsening heart failure.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery is typically recommended for patients with significant occlusion of the left main coronary artery, as it effectively restores blood flow to the heart muscle by bypassing the blocked artery.

B. Radiofrequency catheter ablation is used to treat arrhythmias, not coronary artery occlusions.

C. Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) placement is for managing life-threatening arrhythmias, not directly for treating coronary artery blockages.

D. A circulatory assist device is used in severe cases of heart failure, but it does not address the underlying issue of coronary artery occlusion.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Epinephrine is an important drug in resuscitation but is administered after defibrillation in the algorithm.

B. Defibrillation is the priority intervention for ventricular fibrillation, as it is the only treatment that can convert the heart rhythm back to a viable one.

C. Airway management is crucial, but in the context of ventricular fibrillation, defibrillation takes precedence to restore a life-sustaining rhythm.

D. Amiodarone is used in the treatment of refractory ventricular fibrillation, but it is not the immediate priority over defibrillation.

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