A patient is admitted to the emergency department and diagnosed as having an ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Which question would the nurse ask to determine whether the patient is a candidate for thrombolytic therapy?.
"Did you take aspirin today?".
"Do you have any allergies?".
"Can you rate the pain on a 0 to 10 scale?".
"What time did your pain begin?". .
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
While aspirin is often given to patients with suspected myocardial infarction, asking if the patient took aspirin does not help determine the timing of the onset of symptoms.
Choice B rationale:
Knowing the patient’s allergies is important for medication safety, but it does not help determine eligibility for thrombolytic therapy.
Choice C rationale:
Rating the pain on a scale helps assess the severity of the pain, but it does not provide information about the timing of the onset of symptoms.
Choice D rationale:
The time of pain onset is crucial in determining eligibility for thrombolytic therapy. Thrombolytic therapy is most effective when given within a certain time frame from the onset of symptoms.
So, the correct answer is D, after analyzing all choices.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
In a patient with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough, auscultating the breath sounds would be the first action to assess for any abnormalities.
Choice B rationale:
Checking the capillary refill would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
Choice C rationale:
Auscultating the abdomen would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
Choice D rationale:
Asking about the patient’s allergies would not be the first action as it does not directly relate to the symptoms of severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough.
So, the correct answer is A, after analyzing all choices.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
An irregular pulse could indicate that myocarditis is affecting the heart’s electrical system, leading to an irregular heartbeat or arrhythmia. This could potentially affect the action of digoxin, a medication used to treat heart conditions, and therefore should be communicated to the healthcare provider.
Choice B rationale:
Leukocytosis, or a high white blood cell count, can be a sign of infection or inflammation, including myocarditis. However, it is not as specific as an irregular pulse in indicating a potential issue with the administration of digoxin.
Choice C rationale:
Generalized myalgia, or muscle pain, can be a symptom of myocarditis. However, it is not as directly related to the action of digoxin as an irregular pulse.
Choice D rationale:
Fatigue can be a symptom of myocarditis. However, it is not as directly related to the action of digoxin as an irregular pulse.
So, the correct answer is A, after analyzing all choices.
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