A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Dependent edema
Frothy sputum
Nocturnal polyuria
Jugular distention
The Correct Answer is B
Frothy sputum is a sign of left-sided heart failure, due to the pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. The sputum may be pink-tinged or blood-streaked, indicating pulmonary edema.
a. Dependent edema is more likely to be seen in clients who have right-sided heart failure, due to the increased venous pressure and fluid retention. The edema is usually symmetrical and affects the lower extremities, abdomen, and sometimes the face.
c. Nocturnal polyuria is not a specific finding of left-sided heart failure, but it may occur in clients who have renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, or diuretic therapy.
d. Jugular distention is another sign of right-sided heart failure, due to the increased central venous pressure and backward flow of blood into the superior vena cava. It is visible as a bulging of the neck veins, especially when the client is in a semi-Fowler's position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Hemorrhagic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain, causing bleeding and increased intracranial pressure. The client's symptoms of sudden, severe headache, vomiting, seizure, and
unresponsiveness are consistent with hemorrhagic stroke. The client's elevated blood pressure and temperature are also risk factors for hemorrhagic stroke.
Thrombotic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in an artery that supplies blood to the brain, causing ischemia and tissue damage. The client's symptoms are not typical of thrombotic stroke, which usually has a gradual onset and affects one side of the body.
Transient ischemic atack (TIA) is a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain, causing neurologic deficits that resolve within 24 hours. The client's symptoms are not indicative of TIA, which does not cause loss of consciousness or permanent brain damage.
Embolic stroke is a type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot or other debris travels from another part of the body to the brain, causing occlusion and ischemia. The client's symptoms are not characteristic of embolic stroke, which usually has a sudden onset and affects one side of the body.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The nurse should check the client's vital signs first because nausea and weakness are signs of digoxin toxicity, which can also cause bradycardia, hypotension, and arrhythmias. The nurse should also assess the client's serum digoxin level, potassium level, and electrocardiogram.
Request a dietitian consult is wrong because it is not the priority action and it does not address the possible cause of the client's symptoms. A dietitian consult may be helpful to provide nutritional education and guidance, but only after ruling out or treating digoxin toxicity.
Suggest that the client rests before eating the meal is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may delay the diagnosis and treatment of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not assume that the client's symptoms are due to fatigue or lack of appetite, but rather investigate for any underlying problems.
Request an order for an antiemetic is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may mask the symptoms of digoxin toxicity. The nurse should not administer any medications that could interact with digoxin or worsen its effects, but rather notify the provider and follow the protocol for digoxin toxicity management.
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