A patient who has chronic heart failure is admitted to the emergency department with severe dyspnea and a dry, hacking cough. Which action would the nurse take first?.
Auscultate the breath sounds.
Check the capillary refill.
Auscultate the abdomen.
Ask about the patient's allergies.
The Correct Answer is A
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
ST segment changes on an ECG are not typically associated with chronic constrictive pericarditis.
Choice B rationale:
Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a common sign of chronic constrictive pericarditis. If JVD is not present, it may indicate that the therapies are effective.
Choice C rationale:
While the sedimentation rate can indicate inflammation, it is not specific to chronic constrictive pericarditis.
Choice D rationale:
The presence of a paradoxical pulse is not typically associated with chronic constrictive pericarditis.
So, the correct answer is B, 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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