A nurse is providing teaching to newly licensed nurses about cardiac tamponade. Which of the following should the nurse include when teaching about Phase Il cardiac tamponade?
Comply with compression therapy.
Monitor wounds on lower extremities.
Take antiplatelet medications as ordered.
Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms
The Correct Answer is D
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. "Your heart condition is caused by excessive stretching of the ventricles": Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is characterized by the dilation or enlargement of the heart's chambers, particularly the ventricles. This dilation results in weakened myocardial contraction and impaired systolic function. The primary cause of DCM is often idiopathic (unknown), but it can also be secondary to various factors such as genetics, infections, toxins, or systemic diseases. The statement correctly identifies the pathophysiological basis of DCM as excessive stretching or dilation of the ventricles, leading to impaired cardiac function.
B. "Your heart condition is caused when the ventricular tissue becomes fibrous and fatty": This statement is incorrect. Fibrous and fatty changes in ventricular tissue are characteristic of another type of cardiomyopathy known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation of the heart chambers rather than fibrous and fatty changes in the myocardium.
C. "Your heart condition is caused from stiffening of the walls of the ventricles": This statement describes restrictive cardiomyopathy (RCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In restrictive cardiomyopathy, the ventricular walls become stiff and rigid, impairing diastolic filling and ventricular relaxation. However, in DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation or enlargement of the ventricles rather than stiffening of the ventricular walls.
D. "Your heart condition is caused by thickening of the ventricular walls and septum": This statement describes hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), not dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). In HCM, there is abnormal thickening of the ventricular walls and septum, leading to reduced chamber size and impaired diastolic filling. However, in DCM, the primary abnormality is dilation or enlargement of the ventricles rather than thickening of the ventricular walls.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and Bell's palsy: Bell's palsy, a condition characterized by sudden, temporary weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles, does not directly increase the risk of complications following CABG surgery. While Bell's palsy may affect facial muscle function, it typically does not impact respiratory function or cardiovascular stability during surgery.
B. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic diverticulitis: Chronic diverticulitis, inflammation or infection of the diverticula in the colon, is not directly related to increased risk for complications following CABG surgery. While diverticulitis may require medical management and dietary modifications, it does not typically affect cardiovascular or respiratory function during surgery.
C. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic allergies: Chronic allergies, while they may cause respiratory symptoms such as nasal congestion or rhinitis, are not typically associated with increased risk for complications following CABG surgery. Allergies alone are unlikely to significantly impact cardiovascular stability or respiratory function during surgery compared to conditions such as COPD.
D. A client who has coronary artery disease (CAD) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): A client with CAD and COPD is at the highest risk for complications following coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. COPD is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by airflow limitation and increased airway resistance, often accompanied by emphysema and chronic bronchitis. These respiratory impairments can significantly impact the client's ability to tolerate anesthesia, mechanical ventilation, and postoperative respiratory function. COPD increases the risk of complications such as atelectasis, pneumonia, exacerbation of COPD, and respiratory failure following CABG surgery.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
