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

Among the given laboratory test results for a client with recently diagnosed hypertension, the most important result to communicate to the health care provider is option (A), "Serum creatinine of 2.8 mg/dL."

Serum creatinine is a measure of kidney function, and a value of 2.8 mg/dL indicates elevated creatinine levels. Elevated serum creatinine is a concerning finding, as it suggests decreased kidney function or kidney impairment. Hypertension can have a significant impact on the kidneys, and kidney damage is a common complication of uncontrolled high blood pressure.

The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood pressure by excreting waste products and excess fluids from the body. When kidney function is compromised due to hypertension, it can further worsen the blood pressure control, leading to a vicious cycle of kidney damage and worsening hypertension.

Option (B), "Serum hemoglobin of 14.7 g/dL," is within the normal range and does not indicate an immediate concern related to the client's hypertension.

Option (C), "Blood glucose level of 96 mg/dL," is also within the normal range for blood glucose and may not be directly related to the client's hypertension.

Option (D), "Serum potassium of 4.5 mEq/L," is within the normal range. While potassium levels are essential to monitor, they are not the most critical concern compared to kidney function in this context.

The elevated serum creatinine level suggests a potential complication of hypertension, namely kidney damage or decreased kidney function. Therefore, it is essential to communicate this finding promptly to the health care provider for further evaluation and appropriate management to address the client's kidney health and optimize blood pressure control.

A. WBC Count B. Platelet Count C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Rhythm D. Serum glucose level E. Vital signs

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

Explanation

Based on the client's condition, the nurse should monitor the following:

C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Rhythm: The client is experiencing chest pain with ST elevation, which indicates a possible myocardial infarction (MI). Continuous monitoring of the ECG rhythm is essential to identify any changes or dysrhythmias that may occur during the course of the client's care.

E. Vital signs: The client's tachycardia with ST elevation suggests cardiac involvement. Monitoring vital signs, including heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation, is crucial to assess the client's hemodynamic status and detect any signs of deterioration or improvement.

The other options (A. WBC Count, B. Platelet Count, and D. Serum glucose level) are not directly related to the client's acute chest pain and the possible MI. While these tests may be ordered for other reasons or as part of the overall assessment, they are not the immediate priorities in this situation. Monitoring the ECG rhythm and vital signs are more relevant to the client's acute cardiac condition.

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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 is reviewing the laboratory test results for a client who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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

Explanation

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