A patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest.
While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

Rhythm of the apical pulse.

Volume of pedal pulses.

Degree of skin elasticity.

Length of capillary refill.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale

In a patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure who is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest, the rhythm of the apical pulse should be prioritized. This is because changes in heart rhythm can indicate worsening heart failure or other serious cardiac conditions.

Choice B rationale

While the volume of pedal pulses can provide information about peripheral circulation, it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

Choice C rationale

The degree of skin elasticity can provide information about hydration status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

Choice D rationale

The length of capillary refill can provide information about peripheral circulation and overall cardiovascular status, but it is not as immediately relevant as the rhythm of the apical pulse in a patient with heart failure experiencing discomfort and anxiety.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The correct answer is D. The practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients is best assigned to an adult who is one day postoperative for a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. This client’s care involves routine postoperative care and monitoring, which is within the PN’s scope of practice. The other clients have more complex needs that require the higher level of education and skills of an RN.

A. Total blood loss of 800 mL B. Fundus massaged until firm and at umbilicus C. Multiple large clots were expelled D. Blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg, heart rate of 66 beats/minute, oxygen saturation at 98% on room air .

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

Explanation

The findings suggest that the client’s condition has improved.

Choice A rationale

A total blood loss of 800 mL is a significant amount, but it is within the normal range for blood loss during and after childbirth. Therefore, this does not necessarily put the client at risk for hypovolemia.

Choice B rationale

A fundus that is firm and at the level of the umbilicus indicates that the uterus is contracting properly after childbirth, which helps to prevent excessive bleeding.

Choice C rationale

The expulsion of multiple large clots could indicate that the body is effectively clotting blood, which can prevent excessive bleeding.

Choice D rationale

A blood pressure of 110/80 mm Hg, a heart rate of 66 beats/minute, and an oxygen saturation of 98% on room air are all within normal ranges, indicating that the client is stable and not at risk for hypovolemia.

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A patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest.While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment should the nurse prioritize?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which client is best to assign to the practical nurse (PN) who is assisting the registered nurse (RN) with the care of a group of clients?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A straight catheter produced 500 mL of clear yellow urine. For each finding, indicate whether the findings suggest that the client’s condition has improved or put the client at risk for hypovolemia. Each column must have at least one selection.

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

Explanation

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A patient with a recent exacerbation of heart failure is feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of flopping in the chest.
While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment should the nurse prioritize?