During the admission assessment, a client admitted with chest pain reports having no breathing problems and no trouble sleeping at night. To obtain further data regarding possible orthopnea, which action should the nurse take?
Observe for jugular vein distention while the client is flat in bed.
Measure the blood pressure when the client is lying and standing.
Auscultate breath sounds while the client is supine.
Ask the client how many pillows are used to sleep on at night.
The Correct Answer is D
A) Observe for jugular vein distention while the client is flat in bed: While jugular vein distention can indicate fluid overload or heart failure, it is not a direct assessment of orthopnea, which is the difficulty breathing while lying flat.
B) Measure the blood pressure when the client is lying and standing: This action assesses for orthostatic hypotension, which is a drop in blood pressure upon standing. While orthostatic hypotension can contribute to symptoms of dizziness or fainting upon assuming an upright position, it does not directly assess orthopnea.
C) Auscultate breath sounds while the client is supine: Auscultating breath sounds while the client is supine can provide information about lung function and the presence of abnormal breath sounds, but it does not specifically address orthopnea.
D) Ask the client how many pillows are used to sleep on at night: Orthopnea is a condition in which individuals have difficulty breathing while lying flat and may need to sleep with multiple pillows or in a more upright position to alleviate symptoms. Therefore, asking the client about the number of pillows used for sleep can provide valuable information about the presence and severity of orthopnea.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Hyperactive bowel sounds:
Hyperactive bowel sounds are typically characterized by loud, high-pitched gurgles heard throughout the abdomen. They are often associated with increased intestinal motility, such as in gastroenteritis or diarrhea, rather than a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area.
B) A minor variation:
A minor variation may refer to a benign finding or a slight deviation from the norm. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be considered a minor variation and may warrant further investigation.
C) Possible renal artery stenosis:
A low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area could indicate a renal artery bruit, which is a sign of renal artery stenosis. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the renal artery, often due to atherosclerosis, which can lead to decreased blood flow to the kidneys. A renal artery bruit may be auscultated over the renal arteries and is indicative of turbulent blood flow through the narrowed artery.
D) Normal borborygmus sounds:
Borborygmi are normal bowel sounds characterized by gurgling, rumbling, or growling noises produced by the movement of gas and fluid in the intestines. However, a low-pitched blowing sound in the upper midline area would not typically be described as normal borborygmi. Borborygmi are usually heard at a higher frequency and throughout the abdomen.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A) Notify the healthcare provider of the rebound tenderness:
Rebound tenderness, also known as Blumberg's sign, is a clinical sign that suggests peritoneal irritation, which can be indicative of underlying pathology such as peritonitis. Reporting rebound tenderness to the healthcare provider is crucial for further evaluation and management of the client's condition.
B) Obtain a prescription to catheterize the client's bladder:
While urinary retention can present with lower abdominal discomfort, the scenario described does not specifically suggest urinary retention. Catheterization should be considered based on additional assessments and indications related to urinary symptoms, not solely based on the client's report of pain upon release of abdominal pressure.
C) Offer to administer a laxative prescribed for PRN use:
Administering a laxative would not be appropriate based solely on the client's report of pain upon release of abdominal pressure. Laxatives are indicated for constipation, which may cause abdominal discomfort, but they would not address rebound tenderness or the underlying cause of the client's pain.
D) Instruct the client in distraction and relaxation techniques:
While distraction and relaxation techniques can be helpful for managing pain, they would not address the underlying cause of rebound tenderness. Reporting rebound tenderness to the healthcare provider is necessary for further evaluation and appropriate management.
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