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A nurse on a step-down unit is admitting a client.


Exhibits

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Nurses' Notes
Day 3, 1350:
Client transferred to step-down unit from ICU for continued care following a myocardial infarction (MI) 2 days ago. Oriented to room. Client reports a productive cough, States they are short of breathand that ambulating to the bathroom has resulted in chest pain. Reports pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10. Client appears anxious and reports a fear of dying.
 

A.

Oriented to room.

B.

Client reports a productive cough

C.

States they are short of breathand that ambulating to the bathroom has resulted in chest pain.

D.

Reports pain as 3 on a scale of 0 to 10.

E.

Client appears anxious and reports a fear of dying.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is ["B","C","E"]

Rationale for Correct Findings:

  • Productive cough: In a client with COPD and recent MI, this may signal infection or fluid overload, especially if paired with fever, dyspnea, and hypoxia. Immediate assessment is needed to rule out pneumonia or heart failure.
  • Shortness of breath and chest pain with ambulation: This raises concern for myocardial ischemia, reinfarction, or worsening heart function. Chest pain with minimal exertion post-MI demands prompt evaluation and possible ECG and oxygen therapy.
  • Anxiety and fear of dying: Sudden intense fear may indicate worsening hypoxia, cardiac distress, or even be a prodrome to another MI. It should not be dismissed as purely psychological, especially in the context of other concerning symptoms.

Rationale for Incorrect Findings:

  • Pain rated 3/10: A mild pain score suggests the discomfort is currently manageable. While chest pain after MI is always important, this level does not in itself indicate an emergency unless it worsens or is unrelieved.
  • Oriented to room: Being alert and oriented indicates preserved cognition and neurologic stability. No immediate follow-up is needed based on this observation.


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Related Questions

Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","E"]

Explanation

Rationale:

A. "You should avoid salting your food prior to eating": Avoiding added salt helps control blood pressure and reduce fluid retention, both of which are crucial for preventing cardiac stress. This is especially important after an MI and in clients with COPD who are already at risk of pulmonary congestion.

B. "You should aim to consume fish at least twice a week": Fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon or sardines, support cardiovascular health by lowering triglyceride levels and reducing inflammation. This dietary habit is recommended in secondary prevention following myocardial infarction.

C. "You should wear a medical identification bracelet or necklace": Medical alert jewelry informs first responders about chronic illnesses such as COPD, history of MI, anxiety disorders, and current medications like nitroglycerin or alprazolam. This can prevent dangerous delays or errors in emergency care.

D. "You should take ibuprofen if you experience mild pain": Ibuprofen can increase cardiovascular risk by raising blood pressure, promoting sodium retention, and interfering with the antiplatelet effect of aspirin. Acetaminophen is a safer alternative for clients with heart disease or those on antiplatelet therapy.

E. "You should keep your nitroglycerin with you at all times": Nitroglycerin must be readily available in case of angina. Immediate access ensures quick symptom relief and reduces the risk of cardiac complications. Clients should also be educated to protect it from heat, light, and moisture.

Correct Answer is {"A":{"answers":"B"},"B":{"answers":"A"},"C":{"answers":"B"},"D":{"answers":"B"},"E":{"answers":"A,B"}}

Explanation

Rationale:

  • Excessive spending habits: This behavior is hallmark for mania, where impaired judgment, impulsivity, and inflated self-esteem lead to reckless financial decisions.
  • Hallucinations: Hallucinations, especially visual or auditory ones, are classic signs of psychosis. They indicate a break from reality and are not a diagnostic feature of mania alone unless psychotic features are present.
  • Pressured speech: Pressured, rapid, and loud speech is a diagnostic feature of mania, reflecting heightened psychomotor activity and racing thoughts.
  • Lack of sleep: Insomnia without fatigue is typical in mania. Clients may stay awake for days with increased energy levels and no perceived need for rest.
  • Disorganized thought process: This can appear in both mania and psychosis. In mania, it stems from flight of ideas and distractibility. In psychosis, it results from impaired reality testing and cognitive disintegration.

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