Exhibits
The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record. Which of the following findings indicates the client's condition has improved? Select all that apply.
Echocardiogram results
Blood pressure
Urinary output
Pain level
Respiratory rate
Heart rate
Oxygenation saturation
Correct Answer : B,D,E,F,G
Echocardiogram results would provide information about the structure and function of the heart, particularly regarding any changes in cardiac function or wall motion abnormalities that might have been detected during the acute phase. It does indicate signs of improvement.
B. Blood pressure is an important vital sign that reflects cardiovascular status. In the context of acute coronary syndrome or myocardial infarction, a stable or improving blood pressure indicates adequate perfusion to vital organs, including the heart. A decrease in blood pressure from hypertensive levels seen earlier could indicate stabilization of the client's condition.
C. Urinary output is a critical indicator of renal perfusion and function. During acute illness, including cardiac events, decreased urinary output can indicate poor perfusion due to decreased cardiac output or hypoperfusion. In this scenario the output is still inadequate.
D. Pain level, specifically chest pain in the context of acute coronary syndrome, is a subjective indicator of the client's cardiac status. A reduction in pain intensity, as reported by the client, can indicate that the treatment, such as nitroglycerin for angina, is effective in relieving myocardial ischemia. Therefore, a decrease in pain level suggests improvement in the client's cardiac condition.
E. Respiratory rate is another vital sign that reflects the client's respiratory effort and overall respiratory status. In the context of acute cardiac events, respiratory rate can increase due to pain, anxiety, or respiratory distress. A decrease in respiratory rate suggests improved respiratory comfort and potentially reduced cardiac workload, indicating improvement in the client's condition.
F. Heart rate is a crucial vital sign that reflects cardiac workload and rhythm. In acute coronary syndrome, tachycardia is often present due to sympathetic stimulation and the body's response to myocardial ischemia. A decrease in heart rate suggests that the client's cardiac workload has decreased, possibly indicating improved myocardial perfusion and stability.
G. Oxygen saturation reflects the amount of oxygen bound to hemoglobin in the blood, which is essential for tissue oxygenation. In acute cardiac events, hypoxemia can occur due to impaired cardiac function or respiratory compromise. Improvement in oxygen saturation indicates improved tissue oxygenation, possibly due to effective management of cardiac function or respiratory support.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C","D","E","F"]
Explanation
Restlessness can be a sign of inadequate oxygenation to the brain, known as hypoxia. This is particularly concerning in a client with COPD whose oxygen saturation is already low (87% on room air).
These pulmonary findings indicate worsening respiratory distress in a client with COPD. Tachypnea, productive cough with discolored sputum, and abnormal lung sounds (wheezes and crackles) suggest exacerbation of COPD. The oxygen saturation of 87% on room air is below normal (typically 95% or higher), indicating hypoxemia, which requires immediate assessment and intervention to prevent further respiratory compromise.
The elevated heart rate (110/min) may indicate increased workload on the heart due to respiratory distress and hypoxemia.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
C. The blood pressure readings show significant variability (164/80 mm Hg at 1000, 176/82 mm Hg at 1015, and 110/62 mm Hg at 1200). These fluctuations, especially the higher readings, indicate potential instability and require close monitoring and possibly intervention.
D. The client's pain level is described as 7/10 initially (1000) and decreases to 5/10 after nitroglycerin (1200). Although the pain has decreased, ongoing assessment is necessary to ensure it does not worsen or change in nature.
E. The 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) shows tachycardia with ST segment elevation and T wave changes, which are indicative of myocardial ischemia or infarction. This finding requires immediate attention as it suggests ongoing cardiac damage.
G. The troponin T level is elevated at 0.40 ng/mL (normal is less than 0.1 ng/mL). Troponin elevation indicates myocardial injury or infarction and confirms the seriousness of the cardiac event. This finding requires immediate attention to assess the extent of myocardial damage and guide further treatment.
Incorrect Choices
A. While it is slightly elevated, it is not significantly outside the normal range and does not suggest immediate danger or require urgent intervention in the context of the acute cardiac issue. However, monitoring blood glucose levels is important for overall management, especially in a client with diabetes mellitus.
B. The assessment of bowel sounds being present in all 4 quadrants is a normal finding and indicates normal gastrointestinal function. While bowel sounds are important for assessing gastrointestinal health, they are not immediately pertinent to the acute cardiac issue described in the scenario.
F. The nurse notes that lung sounds are clear to auscultation in all lobes, which is a normal finding. Clear lung sounds suggest normal respiratory function and do not require immediate attention in the context of the acute cardiac event described.
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