An older adult client with a history of heart failure (HF) is brought to the clinic by a family member. Which finding(s) confirm to the nurse that the client is experiencing an exacerbation of the HF? Select all that apply.
Jugular venous distension.
Peripheral edema.
Dyspnea.
Intercostal retractions.
Headaches.
Correct Answer : A,B,C
Choice A Reason:
Jugular venous distension is correct. Jugular venous distension is a common sign of fluid overload and increased central venous pressure, which occur during exacerbations of heart failure. It indicates impaired cardiac function and elevated systemic venous pressure.
Choice B Reason:
Peripheral edema is correct. Peripheral edema, particularly in the lower extremities, is a classic manifestation of fluid retention and congestion in heart failure exacerbations. It results from increased capillary hydrostatic pressure and impaired fluid reabsorption by the kidneys.
Choice C Reason:
Dyspnea is correct. Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is a hallmark symptom of heart failure exacerbations. It occurs due to pulmonary congestion resulting from fluid accumulation in the lungs, impairing gas exchange and leading to difficulty breathing.
Choice D Reason:
Intercostal retraction is not typically associated with exacerbations of heart failure. Intercostal retractions indicate increased work of breathing and respiratory distress, which may occur in conditions such as severe respiratory infections or asthma exacerbations, but are not specific to heart failure exacerbations.
Choice E Reason:
Headaches are not typically associated with exacerbations of heart failure. Headaches can have various causes, including tension, migraines, or sinus congestion, but they are not commonly observed as a direct manifestation of heart failure exacerbations.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing for the client is appropriate action. Enlargement of the thyroid gland can be indicative of various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or thyroid nodules. Diagnostic laboratory testing, such as thyroid function tests (TFTs), thyroid antibody testing, and possibly thyroid ultrasound, can help identify the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement. These tests can include assessments of thyroid hormone levels (T3, T4, and TSH), antibodies, and imaging studies. Requesting diagnostic laboratory testing is essential to accurately diagnose the condition and guide appropriate management and treatment.
Choice B Reason:
Obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is inappropriate action. While nutrition can play a role in overall thyroid health, obtaining a dietary consultation for nutrition teaching is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Dietary consultation may be considered as part of comprehensive care for thyroid disorders, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice C Reason:
Instructing the client in the need to use iodized salt is inappropriate action. While iodine deficiency can contribute to thyroid disorders, instructing the client to use iodized salt is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Using iodized salt may help prevent iodine deficiency, but it does not address the need for further evaluation and diagnosis of the thyroid enlargement.
Choice D Reason:
Scheduling a follow-up appointment in one month is inappropriate action. While scheduling a follow-up appointment may be necessary for ongoing monitoring and management of thyroid disorders, it is not the most immediate action to take in response to finding an enlarged thyroid gland during palpation. Further evaluation and diagnostic testing should be prioritized to determine the underlying cause of the thyroid enlargement and initiate appropriate treatment.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A Reason:
Chronic pancreatitis is incorrect. Chronic pancreatitis typically presents with persistent, dull abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, often aggravated by eating rather than relieved by it. The pain associated with chronic pancreatitis is not typically described as gnawing or relieved by eating.
Choice B Reason:
Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) is correct. Peptic ulcer disease involves the development of open sores (ulcers) in the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenal ulcers). The pain associated with PUD typically occurs in the epigastric region (upper abdomen) and can be described as gnawing, burning, or dull. The pain tends to worsen when the stomach is empty (hunger pains) and is relieved by eating or taking antacids. These symptoms are due to the increase in gastric acid secretion, which exacerbates the ulcer's irritation when the stomach is empty and is neutralized when food buffers the acid. Therefore, the presentation described is consistent with peptic ulcer disease (PUD).
Choice C Reason:
Esophagitis is incorrect. Esophagitis is inflammation of the esophagus and may present with symptoms such as heartburn, difficulty swallowing, or chest pain behind the breastbone. However, the symptoms described, particularly the worsening of pain when hungry and improvement after eating, are not typical of esophagitis.
Choice D Reason:
Gastroesophageal reflux (GERD) is incorrect. While gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can cause epigastric discomfort or heartburn, the symptoms described in the scenario are more indicative of pain related to hunger and relief after eating, which is more characteristic of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Additionally, GERD symptoms are typically worsened by eating, lying down, or bending over, rather than improved.
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