In preparation for cardiac surgery, a patient was taught about measures to prevent venous thromboembolism.
Which statement indicates that the patient clearly understood this education?

Choice A rationale:

It is inaccurate to state that men exclusively present with atypical symptoms of CAD. While men are more likely than women to experience atypical symptoms, this does not mean that they never experience chest pain or other typical symptoms.

Chest pain remains the most common symptom of CAD in both men and women. However, it's important to recognize that both genders can experience a range of symptoms, including atypical ones.

Attributing atypical symptoms solely to men can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of CAD in women. This is because women are more likely to present with atypical symptoms, and healthcare professionals may not recognize these symptoms as indicative of CAD.

It's crucial to consider a broad spectrum of symptoms when evaluating patients for potential CAD, regardless of gender.

Choice B rationale:

Chest pain is indeed the most common symptom of CAD. It typically manifests as a feeling of pressure, squeezing, or tightness in the chest, often radiating to the left arm, jaw, neck, or back.

Chest pain usually occurs during exertion or emotional stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin.

Choice C rationale:

Atherosclerosis is the most common underlying cause of CAD. It's a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque within the arteries, leading to narrowing and hardening of the vessels.

This plaque buildup can restrict blood flow to the heart muscle, resulting in ischemia (lack of oxygen) and the symptoms of CAD.

Choice D rationale:

Elevated LDL cholesterol is a significant risk factor for developing CAD. LDL cholesterol is often referred to as "bad" cholesterol because it can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries.

Managing LDL cholesterol levels through lifestyle modifications and medications, if necessary, is crucial for reducing the risk of CAD.

Choice B rationale:

It is crucial to ensure that no one is touching the client during defibrillation to prevent accidental electrical shock to others. The electrical current delivered by the defibrillator is extremely powerful and can cause serious injury or even death if it passes through another person's body. This includes both healthcare professionals and bystanders.

Here are key points to emphasize this rationale:

Electrical conduction: The human body is a good conductor of electricity. If someone is touching the client during defibrillation, the electrical current from the defibrillator can easily pass through their body, potentially causing harm.

Cardiac rhythm disruption: Any contact with the client during shock delivery can interfere with the defibrillator's ability to accurately assess the client's heart rhythm and deliver the appropriate shock. This could potentially worsen the client's condition.

Muscle contractions: The electrical current from the defibrillator can cause involuntary muscle contractions. If someone is touching the client, these contractions could cause them to jerk or move suddenly, potentially causing injury to themselves or others.

Safety guidelines: It is a standard safety guideline in all healthcare settings to clear the area around a client before defibrillation to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

I'll now address the other choices, even though they are not the correct answer, to provide a comprehensive understanding:

Choice A rationale:

While ventilation is important during cardiac arrest, it should be temporarily paused during defibrillation. The chest compressions and electrical shock can cause movement of air in the lungs, which can interfere with the effectiveness of the defibrillation. Additionally, the risk of accidental shock to the person providing ventilation is increased if they are close to the client during defibrillation.

Choice C rationale:

Waiting 3 minutes between shocks is not necessary with modern defibrillators. Current guidelines recommend immediate defibrillation for shockable rhythms such as ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Delaying defibrillation can decrease the chances of successful resuscitation.

Choice D rationale:

The placement of gel pads is important for effective conduction, but it is not the priority action during defibrillation. Ensuring safety by clearing the area and delivering the shock promptly is more critical in the initial moments of defibrillation.