A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle.

Check the client for jugular venous flattening.

Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client.

Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle: Clients with pericarditis typically experience relief when sitting up and leaning forward, as this reduces pressure on the inflamed pericardium. A 15° elevation is too low to provide significant relief.

B. Check the client for jugular venous flattening: Pericarditis, especially when complicated by cardiac tamponade, leads to jugular venous distension rather than flattening due to impaired venous return to the heart.

C. Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client: Anticoagulants are not routinely used in pericarditis because they may increase the risk of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, particularly if pericarditis is due to an inflammatory or infectious cause.

D. Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure: Pulsus paradoxus, a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, is a key sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. Monitoring for this helps in early detection and management.

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Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. "Place an aspirin in your ostomy pouch to control odor.": Aspirin should never be placed in an ostomy pouch, as it can damage the pouch material and irritate the stoma. Deodorizers or dietary adjustments are safer alternatives for odor control.

B. "Your ostomy should start functioning in five days.": An ostomy typically begins functioning within 2 to 4 days postoperatively, depending on bowel motility. Waiting five days without output could indicate an obstruction or ileus, requiring medical evaluation.

C. "Empty your ostomy pouch when it becomes a third to halfway full.": Keeping the pouch from becoming too full prevents leaks, discomfort, and excessive pressure on the stoma. This practice helps maintain skin integrity and ostomy function.

D. "Notify your provider if your stoma becomes dark red.": A dark red stoma is normal and indicates good blood supply. However, a stoma that turns pale, dusky, or black requires immediate medical attention, as it suggests compromised circulation and possible necrosis.

A. Increased body hair B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin D. Hypocalcemia

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increased body hair: Adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased androgen production, which may cause hair thinning rather than increased body hair. Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) is not a typical finding in adrenal insufficiency.

B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level: Adrenal insufficiency is often associated with dehydration due to aldosterone deficiency, leading to reduced sodium retention and increased fluid loss. This can result in elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels rather than a decrease.

C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin: Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity, triggered by elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, causes darkening of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas, skin folds, and mucous membranes. This is a hallmark feature of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).

D. Hypocalcemia: Adrenal insufficiency is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Decreased cortisol levels can lead to reduced renal calcium excretion, contributing to elevated serum calcium levels.

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