After receiving a change-of-shift report on four patients, which patient would the nurse assess first?.
Patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who has bilateral crackles at the lung bases.
Patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg.
Patient with infective endocarditis who has a murmur and splinter hemorrhages.
Patient with rheumatic fever who has sharp chest pain with a deep breath.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
While bilateral crackles at the lung bases indicate fluid accumulation, a common symptom of dilated cardiomyopathy, it’s not as immediately life-threatening as some other conditions.
Choice B rationale:
Acute aortic regurgitation can lead to a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure, which is a medical emergency. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first.
Choice C rationale:
While a murmur and splinter hemorrhages are symptoms of infective endocarditis, they are not as immediately life-threatening as acute aortic regurgitation.
Choice D rationale:
Sharp chest pain with a deep breath could be a symptom of rheumatic fever, but it’s not as immediately life-threatening as acute aortic regurgitation.
So, the correct answer is Choice B, 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 D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
While a history of heart attack indicates a general risk for heart disease, it is not specifically associated with an increased risk for infective endocarditis.
Choice B rationale:
Immunizations do not typically increase the risk for infective endocarditis.
Choice C rationale:
Family history of endocarditis does not necessarily increase the risk for infective endocarditis.
Choice D rationale:
Dental work can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, which can lead to infective endocarditis, especially in individuals with prosthetic heart valves.
So, the correct answer is D, after analyzing all choices.
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