A nurse is teaching a group of clients about risk factors for developing atrial flutter. Which of the following clients should the nurse understand is at highest risk for developing atrial flutter?
The client who is out of work and has been experiencing increased stress.
The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and diarrhea.
The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition
The client who had a myocardial infarction and required stent placement.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale:
A. While stress can contribute to arrhythmias, it is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter. Stress alone is less likely to trigger atrial flutter without underlying cardiac disease.
B. The client who is recovering from a recent illness that caused vomiting and diarrhea – Electrolyte imbalances from vomiting and diarrhea can predispose to arrhythmias, but the risk is temporary and generally lower compared with structural heart disease.
C. The client whose mother and uncle were diagnosed with this same condition – A family history increases susceptibility, but genetic predisposition alone is not the highest risk factor for atrial flutter.
D. Structural heart disease, such as ischemic heart disease following a myocardial infarction (MI), is a major risk factor for developing atrial flutter because damaged atrial tissue can create abnormal electrical pathways that facilitate reentry circuits, leading to flutter.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Crackles are more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure, due to pulmonary congestion from fluid backing up into the lungs.
B. While a murmur can be present in some cardiac conditions, it is not a hallmark finding specific to right-sided heart failure.
C. Chest pain may occur with ischemic heart disease or myocardial infarction but is not a classic symptom of right-sided heart failure.
D. Right-sided heart failure leads to systemic venous congestion, causing fluid accumulation in dependent areas such as the legs, ankles, and feet, which is a hallmark sign of right-sided heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Rationale:
A. While documentation is important, a weight gain of ≥2 lb (≈1 kg) in 1–3 days and generalized edema indicates fluid retention and possible worsening heart failure, which requires immediate provider notification, not just documentation.
B. Although adherence to diuretics is important, simply confirming this does not address the acute risk of fluid overload and possible decompensation. Immediate action is required.
C. Education is important for prevention, but in this case, the patient is already showing signs of worsening heart failure, so reinforcing education alone is insufficient.
D. Rapid weight gain and generalized edema over a short period are red flags for fluid overload. The nurse should contact the provider immediately to report findings and receive guidance for interventions such as adjusting medications, evaluating for hospitalization, or further monitoring.
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