A nurse is monitoring the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) for a client. The nurse should identify that a reading of 17 mm Hg is an indication of which of the following conditions?
Right ventricular failure
Fluid volume deficit
Mitral regurgitation
Afterload reduction
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because right ventricular failure would cause an increase in right atrial pressure and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure, but not in PAWP, which reflects left atrial pressure and left ventricular end- diastolic pressure.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because fluid volume deficit would cause a decrease in PAWP, as there would be less blood volume in the pulmonary circulation.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because mitral regurgitation would cause an increase in PAWP, as the blood would back up into the left atrium and pulmonary veins due to the incompetent mitral valve.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because afterload reduction would cause a decrease in PAWP, as there would be less resistance to the left ventricular ejection and less blood volume in the pulmonary circulation.

Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a client who is post-CABG and has high cholesterol is not in immediate danger, as atorvastatin is a long-term medication that lowers cholesterol and prevents cardiovascular complications.
Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because a client who has pneumonia and a slightly elevated WBC count is not in immediate danger, as piperacillin is an antibiotic that treats bacterial infections.
Choice C Reason: This is correct because a client who has renal failure and a high serum potassium level is in immediate danger, as sodium polystyrene sulfonate is an emergency medication that lowers potassium and prevents cardiac arrhythmias.
Choice D Reason: This is incorrect because a client who has anemia and a mild hemoglobin deficiency is not in immediate danger, as epoetin alfa is a long-term medication that stimulates red blood cell production and improves oxygen delivery.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect because furosemide is a diuretic that helps to reduce fluid retention and edema. It may be used for clients who have heart failure or hypertension, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice B Reason: This choice is correct because heparin is an anticoagulant that helps to prevent blood clots from forming or growing larger. It may be used for clients who have pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage of a pulmonary artery by a blood clot that usually originates from a deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Heparin can reduce the risk of complications such as pulmonary infarction or death.
Choice C Reason: This choice is incorrect because dexamethasone is a corticosteroid that helps to reduce inflammation and immune response. It may be used for clients who have allergic reactions, asthma, or autoimmune diseases, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect because epinephrine is a sympathomimetic that helps to stimulate the heart and blood vessels. It may be used for clients who have cardiac arrest, anaphylaxis, or severe asthma, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
Choice E Reason: This choice is incorrect because atropine is an anticholinergic that helps to block the effects of acetylcholine on the heart and smooth muscles. It may be used for clients who have bradycardia, atrioventricular block, or organophosphate poisoning, but it does not treat pulmonary embolism.
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