During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), a nurse should assign the highest priority to monitoring the patient for what complication?

Dysrhythmias

Anxiety and fear

Metabolic acidosis

Medication side effects

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), the highest priority for monitoring the patient is for dysrhythmias. After an MI, the heart's electrical system can be disrupted, leading to various types of abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias). Dysrhythmias can be life-threatening and require prompt recognition and intervention.

Other options:

B) Anxiety and fear: Anxiety and fear are common emotional responses after an MI, but they are not the highest priority for monitoring during the immediate post-MI period. Emotional support and counseling are essential, but they do not require continuous monitoring.

C) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is not a common complication of an acute MI. It may occur in certain situations, such as when there is inadequate perfusion to tissues, but it is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period.

D) Medication side effects: Monitoring for medication side effects is important but is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period. Many patients will receive medications to manage pain, reduce clot formation, and stabilize their heart function. The nurse should monitor for side effects but not as a higher priority compared to dysrhythmias.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

For a patient admitted with syncopal (fainting) episodes of unknown origin, the most appropriate action to include in the plan of care is to instruct the patient to call for assistance before getting out of bed.

Syncope can be caused by various factors, including orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing) or cardiac-related issues. One of the common triggers for syncopal episodes is getting up from a lying or sitting position too quickly. By instructing the patient to call for assistance before getting out of bed, the nurse aims to prevent falls and potential injuries that may occur due to sudden fainting episodes.

While it's essential to educate the patient about potential causes of syncope (option A) and the benefits of implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (option B) if applicable to their condition, these actions may not directly address the immediate safety concern of preventing falls during syncopal episodes.

Option D, teaching the patient about the need to avoid caffeine and other stimulants, may be relevant if stimulants are identified as potential triggers for syncope in this particular patient. However, it is not the most critical action to include in the initial plan of care for a patient with syncopal episodes of unknown origin.

In summary, the top priority for the nurse is to ensure the safety of the patient by instructing them to call for assistance before getting out of bed to prevent falls during syncopal episodes until further evaluation and diagnosis can determine the cause of the fainting episodes.

A. pH 7.25, HCO3- 19mEq / L PaCO2 30 mm Hg B. pH 7.30, HCO3-26 26mEq / L PaCO2 50 mm Hg C. pH 7.50 0. HCO * 3 - 20mE /L, PaCO2 32 mm Hg D. pH 7.55, HCO3- 30mEq / L PaCO2 31 mm Hg

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

In a client with chronic kidney disease (CKD), metabolic acidosis is a common acid-base disorder due to impaired excretion of acid and decreased bicarbonate reabsorption in the kidneys. The arterial blood gas values associated with metabolic acidosis in CKD are a low pH (acidemia), low bicarbonate (HCO3-), and normal or low partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2). Option A fits this pattern, with a pH of 7.25 (acidic), HCO3- of 19 mEq/L (low), and a PaCO2 of 30 mm Hg (within the normal to low range).

Option B shows a pH of 7.30 (acidic) but with a higher bicarbonate level of 26 mEq/L, which is not consistent with metabolic acidosis. The elevated bicarbonate level suggests metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.

Option C has a pH of 7.50 (alkaline) with an elevated bicarbonate level of 20 mEq/L and a low PaCO2 of 32 mm Hg. This set of values is indicative of metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.

Option D has a pH of 7.55 (alkaline) with an elevated bicarbonate level of 30 mEq/L and a low PaCO2 of 31 mm Hg. This set of values is indicative of metabolic alkalosis, which is not expected in a client with CKD.

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During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), a nurse should assign the highest priority to monitoring the patient for what complication?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient who was admitted with syncopal episodes of unknown origin?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A nurse is reviewing the arterial blood gas values of a client who has chronic kidney disease. Which of the following sets of values should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Which assessment finding of a patient with chronic kidney disease indicates to the nurse that hemodialysis is having the desired effect?

Which topic will the nurse plan to include in discharge teaching for a client who has heart failure with reduced ejection fraction?

The nurse teaches a student nurse about diagnostic studies used for acute coronary syndrome. Which statement made by the student nurse indicates effective learning?

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A nurse is assessing a client who has end-stage kidney disease and is receiving hemodialysis. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as an indication the client is experiencing fluid overload?