A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has new onset atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

Permanent pacemakers

Emergency cardioversion

IV adenosine (Adenocard)

Anticoagulant therapy

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

When a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy develops new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) that has been unresponsive to drug therapy, the nurse should prioritize patient education about anticoagulant therapy. Atrial fibrillation increases the risk of blood clots forming in the heart's atria due to the irregular and ineffective pumping of blood. These blood clots can potentially travel to other parts of the body, leading to serious complications such as stroke.

Anticoagulant therapy, also known as blood-thinning medication, is commonly prescribed for patients with atrial fibrillation to prevent the formation of blood clots. The most common anticoagulant prescribed for AF is warfarin or direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) such as apixaban, rivaroxaban, dabigatran, or edoxaban. The nurse should educate the patient about the importance of taking the anticoagulant as prescribed and the need for regular monitoring of clotting times (INR for warfarin) to ensure the medication is effective and the dose is appropriate.

While other options listed in the choices may be relevant in specific situations, the priority in this case is to address the potential risk of stroke associated with atrial fibrillation and the importance of anticoagulant therapy to manage that risk effectively.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Diuretics are the primary class of drugs used to treat volume overload in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). These medications help to increase urine output, reducing the overall fluid volume in the body and relieving congestion in the lungs and other tissues.

The goal of using diuretics in ADHF is to alleviate symptoms such as shortness of breath, edema (swelling), and fluid retention by promoting the elimination of excess fluid. The most commonly used diuretics in this setting are loop diuretics (e.g., furosemide, bumetanide), which have a potent diuretic effect and can rapidly reduce fluid overload.

While narcotics, vasodilators, and positive inotropes may have roles in specific cases of ADHF, they are not the primary drugs used to treat volume overload. Narcotics may be used for pain management, vasodilators to reduce afterload (the resistance the heart has to pump against), and positive inotropes to increase the heart's contractility in certain situations. However, the first-line treatment for volume overload in ADHF is diuretic therapy.

A. Delegated to the health care provider B. Discussed along with other physical activities C. Avoided because it is embarrassing to the patient D. Accomplished by providing the patient with written material

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Resumption of sexual activity after a myocardial infarction (MI) is an important topic to address as part of the overall recovery and rehabilitation process. It should be discussed along with other physical activities during the patient's recovery. The nurse should initiate the discussion in a supportive and non-judgmental manner, addressing the patient's concerns, fears, and questions about sexual activity after an MI.

Sexual activity is a normal part of life, and patients may have concerns about the safety and appropriateness of engaging in sexual activity after a significant cardiac event like an MI. Discussing it along with other physical activities helps normalize the topic and allows the nurse to provide accurate information, address any misconceptions, and offer guidance on when and how to resume sexual activity safely. Patients should be encouraged to have an open dialogue with their healthcare provider about their concerns and any specific questions they may have related to resuming sexual activity.

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A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has new onset atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse recalls that which type of drug therapy is used to treat volume overload in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF)?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is providing teaching to a patient recovering from a myocardial infarction (MI). How should resumption of sexual activity be discussed?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has new onset atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

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