After receiving the shift change report about four patients in the cardiac care unit, which patient should the nurse prioritize for assessment?
A 59-year-old patient with unstable angina who has just returned from a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).
A 56-year-old patient with variant angina due to receive nifedipine (Procardia).
A 65-year-old patient who had a myocardial infarction (MI) 4 days ago and is anxious about discharge planned for today.
A 39-year-old patient with pericarditis complaining of sharp, stabbing chest pain.
The Correct Answer is A
Choice A rationale
A 59-year-old patient with unstable angina who has just returned from a percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) should be prioritized for assessment. PCI is a procedure to open blocked or narrowed coronary arteries and can lead to complications such as re-occlusion of the artery or bleeding from the catheter insertion site. Furthermore, unstable angina is a condition that can progress to myocardial infarction if not managed effectively.
Choice B rationale
A 56-year-old patient with variant angina due to receive nifedipine (Procardia) requires monitoring, but is not the highest priority. Variant angina is a form of angina that occurs at rest, often with severe pain, but it is usually well-controlled with medications like nifedipine.
Choice C rationale
A 65-year-old patient who had a myocardial infarction (MI) 4 days ago and is anxious about discharge planned for today is a lower priority for assessment. While it’s important to address the patient’s anxiety and provide education about post-discharge care, this patient is not in immediate danger.
Choice D rationale
A 39-year-old patient with pericarditis complaining of sharp, stabbing chest pain requires assessment, but is not the highest priority. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, the sac-like covering of the heart, and while it can cause severe pain, it is not typically life- threatening.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice D.
Choice A rationale: Allergies to shellfish may indicate iodine allergy, relevant for procedures using iodine-based contrast, like PCI. The client’s shellfish allergy must be reported to the PHCP as a precautionary measure to prevent any allergic reaction.
Choice B rationale: Warm sensations during PCI are a common side effect of the contrast dye used in the procedure. This statement does not indicate an immediate concern requiring PHCP notification as it is a standard patient experience.
Choice C rationale: Anxiety in closed spaces, known as claustrophobia, may affect the client's comfort during PCI but can be managed with sedatives. The PHCP should be aware but it’s not as urgent as taking contraindicated medications.
Choice D rationale: Metformin can lead to lactic acidosis, especially when iodine contrast dye is used during PCI. This condition is serious and may result in adverse interactions. The PHCP must be notified immediately.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Implementing a smoking cessation program, while beneficial for overall health and cardiovascular risk reduction, is not the primary therapeutic goal for secondary hypertension. Secondary hypertension is high blood pressure caused by an underlying condition. Therefore, the primary goal is to treat the underlying condition.
Choice B rationale
Treating the specific etiological disease is the primary therapeutic goal for secondary hypertension. By treating the underlying cause, blood pressure can often be lowered or returned to normal.
Choice C rationale
Initiating a rapid weight-loss program is not the primary therapeutic goal for secondary hypertension. While weight loss can help lower blood pressure in general, the primary goal in secondary hypertension is to treat the underlying cause.
Choice D rationale
Starting a rigorous exercise regimen, while beneficial for overall health and cardiovascular risk reduction, is not the primary therapeutic goal for secondary hypertension. The primary goal is to treat the underlying condition causing the high blood pressure.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.