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, frequent nosebleeds, 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, upper extremity hypotension, 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, increased intracranial pressure, 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.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C. Taking a hot shower in the morning can help decrease stiffness and improve joint mobility for people with rheumatoid arthritis. This is one of the self-management strategies that can reduce pain and disability.
Choice A is wrong because applying cold packs directly on the skin of the affected joints can cause vasoconstriction and increase inflammation.
Cold therapy should be used with caution and with a barrier between the skin and the ice pack.
Choice B is wrong because biological response modifiers are not used to prevent infection, but to reduce inflammation and slow down joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
These medications can actually increase the risk of infection by suppressing the immune system.
Choice D is wrong because clustering physical activities during the day can cause fatigue and joint stress for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
It is better to pace activities throughout the day and take frequent breaks to rest the joints.
Normal ranges for rheumatoid arthritis are based on the disease activity score (DAS), which measures the number of swollen and tender joints, the level of inflammation in the blood, and the patient’s global assessment of health. A DAS below 2.6 indicates remission, a DAS between 2.6 and 3.2 indicates low disease activity, a DAS between 3.2 and 5.1 indicates moderate disease activity, and a DAS above 5.1 indicates high disease activity.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice A.
Choice A rationale:
- Acknowledges the client's feelings:It's important for the nurse to validate the client's concerns and let them know that it's understandable to feel nervous or uncertain about ECT.
- Provides information about the treatment:The nurse can offer information about the potential benefits of ECT,but it's important not to pressure the client or make them feel like they have to go through with it.
- Reassures the client of their right to change their mind:This is a crucial aspect of informed consent.The client has the right to withdraw their consent at any time,even after signing the consent form.
Choice B rationale:
- Places undue pressure on the client:This response implies that the doctor knows what's best for the client and that the client should go through with the treatment even if they have doubts.This can undermine the client's autonomy and decision-making ability.
Choice C rationale:
- May minimize the client's concerns:While rescheduling the treatment is an option,it's important to explore the client's concerns more thoroughly before suggesting this.It's possible that the client has valid reasons for not wanting to go through with ECT,and these reasons should be addressed.
Choice D rationale:
- Is disrespectful of the client's autonomy:This response suggests that the client is obligated to go through with the treatment simply because they signed a consent form.This ignores the fact that people can change their minds and that consent is an ongoing process.
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