A nurse is planning care for a client who has hypertrophic cardiomyopathy that has not improved after pharmacologic treatment. Which of the following procedures should the nurse anticipate the health care provider ordering?

A. Comply with compression therapy:

Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.

Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:

Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.

However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.

C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:

Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:

Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.

Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.

Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.

A. "Vision changes occur when blood vessels leak fluid or blood under a portion of the retina": This statement describes a symptom of diabetic retinopathy, not open-angle glaucoma. In open-angle glaucoma, vision changes primarily result from increased intraocular pressure (IOP) due to impaired drainage of aqueous humor, not leakage of fluid or blood under the retina.

B. "Vision changes occur when the cloudy lens alters the passage of light through the eye": This statement describes a symptom of cataracts, not open-angle glaucoma. Cataracts involve clouding of the lens inside the eye, which affects the passage of light and leads to visual disturbances. Open-angle glaucoma, however, primarily affects the optic nerve and visual field due to increased intraocular pressure.

C. "Vision changes occur when retinal tissue pulls away from the blood vessels in the eye": This statement describes a symptom of retinal detachment, not open-angle glaucoma. Retinal detachment occurs when the retina detaches from the underlying layers of the eye, leading to vision changes and potentially vision loss. Open-angle glaucoma, on the other hand, primarily involves increased intraocular pressure and optic nerve damage.

D. "Vision changes occur when pressure in the eye is increased due to a decrease of aqueous humor": This statement is accurate. In open-angle glaucoma, vision changes occur due to increased intraocular pressure resulting from inadequate drainage of aqueous humor from the eye. This increased pressure can lead to damage of the optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss and potentially blindness if left untreated.