A nurse is caring for an infant who has coarctation of the aorta.
Which of the following should the nurse identify as an expected finding?
Frequent nosebleeds.
Upper extremity hypotension.
Weak femoral pulses.
Increased intracranial pressure.
The Correct Answer is C
This is because coarctation of the aorta is a congenital condition where the aorta is narrow, usually in the area where the ductus arteriosus inserts. This causes a decrease in blood flow to the lower body, resulting in weak or absent pulses in the femoral arteries.
The other choices are incorrect for the following reasons:
Choice A is not a typical sign of coarctation of the aorta.
Nosebleeds can be caused by many factors, such as dry air, allergies, trauma, or bleeding disorders.
Choice B is also not a common finding in coarctation of the aorta. In fact, patients with this condition may have high blood pressure in the upper extremities due to the increased resistance of the narrowed aorta.
Choice D is not directly related to coarctation of the aorta.
Increased intracranial pressure can be caused by various conditions that affect the brain, such as head injury, stroke, infection, or tumor.
Normal ranges for blood pressure and pulse vary depending on age, sex, and health status. However, some general guidelines are:
- Blood pressure: less than 120/80 mmHg for adults; less than 95/65 mmHg for infants.
- Pulse: 60 to 100 beats per minute for adults; 100 to 160 beats per minute for infants.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"A"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"A"},"D":{"answers":"A"}}
Explanation
Answer is…
The following provider prescriptions are anticipated or contraindicated for the client:.
- Insert an indwelling urinary catheter. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have oliguria or anuria due to dehydration, hypovolemia, or renal impairment caused by pancreatitis. A urinary catheter can help monitor the urine output and fluid status of the client.
- Insert a nasogastric tube and maintain low intermittent suction. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension due to pancreatitis. A nasogastric tube can help decompress the stomach, reduce pancreatic stimulation, and prevent aspiration.
- Administer lactated Ringer’s 1 L via IV bolus. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have hypovolemia, hypotension, and electrolyte imbalances due to pancreatitis. Lactated Ringer’s solution can help restore fluid and electrolyte balance, improve tissue perfusion, and prevent shock.
- Administer famotidine 20 mg via intermittent IV infusion twice daily. Anticipated. This prescription is anticipated because the client may have gastric hypersecretion and peptic ulcer disease due to pancreatitis. Famotidine is a histamine-2 receptor antagonist that can help reduce gastric acid production, protect the gastric mucosa, and promote healing of ulcers.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is because a cathartic suppository stimulates the nerve endings in the rectum, causing a contraction of the bowel and facilitating defecation. This is especially helpful for clients who have an upper motor neuron or areflexic bowel, which means they have lost the ability to feel when the rectum is full and have a tight anal sphincter muscle. A bowel program is a way of controlling or moving the bowels after a spinal cord injury, which may affect normal bowel function depending on the spinal level involved. A bowel program aims to achieve regular bowel movements, prevent constipation or impaction, and avoid accidents.
Choice A is wrong because encouraging a maximum fluid intake of 1,500 mL per day is not enough to prevent constipation and promote bowel health. A fluid intake of at least 2,000 mL per day is recommended for most adults.
Choice B is wrong because increasing the amount of refined grains in the client’s diet can worsen constipation and reduce stool bulk.
Refined grains are low in fiber, which is essential for normal bowel function. A high-fiber diet of at least 20 to 35 grams per day is advised for clients with spinal cord injuries.
Choice C is wrong because providing the client with a cold drink prior to defecation can have the opposite effect of stimulating the bowel.
Cold drinks can slow down the digestive process and reduce peristalsis, which is the movement of food through the intestines. Warm or hot drinks can help stimulate the bowel and increase peristalsis.
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