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?

I’ll make sure that I don’t cross my legs when I’m resting in bed.

I’ll keep pillows under my knees to help my blood circulate better.

I’ll put on those compression stockings if I get pain in my calves.

I’ll try to stay in bed for the first few days to allow myself to heal.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale:

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a blood clot that forms in a vein, usually in the legs. It can be a serious condition, as the clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism (PE).

Crossing the legs at the knees can impede blood flow in the veins of the legs, increasing the risk of VTE. This is because it compresses the veins, slowing the flow of blood and making it more likely for clots to form.

The patient's statement that they will make sure not to cross their legs when resting in bed demonstrates that they understand this important risk factor for VTE and are taking steps to prevent it.

Choice B rationale:

While keeping pillows under the knees can help to improve circulation, it is not a specific measure to prevent VTE. It is more important to avoid crossing the legs and to engage in regular movement and activity to promote blood flow.

Choice C rationale:

Compression stockings can help to reduce the risk of VTE by compressing the veins in the legs and promoting blood flow. However, they should be worn as instructed by a healthcare professional, and not only if the patient experiences pain in their calves. Pain in the calves can be a symptom of VTE, so it is important to seek medical attention if it occurs.

Choice D rationale:

Bed rest is actually a risk factor for VTE, as it can lead to decreased blood flow in the legs. It is important to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, even if it is just for short periods of time. This will help to promote blood flow and reduce the risk of VTE.

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Systole is derived from the Greek word "sustolē," meaning "contraction." This etymology directly aligns with the physiological process it describes.

During systole, the heart muscle contracts forcefully, generating the pressure necessary to propel blood out of the heart's chambers and into the circulatory system.

This phase is crucial for ensuring adequate blood flow to all tissues and organs, delivering oxygen and nutrients and removing waste products.

It's initiated by electrical signals generated by the sinoatrial node (SA node), the heart's natural pacemaker.

The electrical impulse travels through the heart's conduction system, triggering a coordinated contraction of the atria and ventricles.

Atrial systole occurs first, contributing to ventricular filling.

Ventricular systole follows, generating the powerful force that propels blood into the pulmonary artery (from the right ventricle) and the aorta (from the left ventricle).

Systolic blood pressure, the higher number in a blood pressure reading, measures the pressure in the arteries during ventricular systole.

Choice B rationale:

This choice describes diastole, the opposite phase of the cardiac cycle.

During diastole, the heart muscle relaxes, allowing the chambers to refill with blood.

Diastole is essential for proper heart function, ensuring that the heart can adequately fill with blood before the next systolic contraction.

Choice C rationale:

This choice refers to cardiac output, which is the total volume of blood pumped by the heart per minute.

Cardiac output is influenced by both heart rate and stroke volume (the amount of blood ejected from the ventricle with each contraction). Choice D rationale:

This choice describes ejection fraction, which is the percentage of blood that fills the ventricles during diastole that is then pumped out during systole.

Ejection fraction is a measure of the heart's pumping efficiency.

A. Call “all clear” once before discharging the defibrillator B. Maintain firm contact between paddles and client skin C. Ensure the defibrillator is in the sync mode D. Apply a layer of water as a conducting agent

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale:

Calling "all clear" once before discharging the defibrillator is crucial for safety, but it's not the primary action that ensures effective defibrillation.

The purpose of calling "all clear" is to alert everyone in the vicinity to stay clear of the patient and avoid accidental shock.

However, even with a clear announcement, it's essential for the nurse to visually confirm that no one is touching the patient or bed before discharging the defibrillator.

Choice B rationale:

Maintaining firm contact between the paddles and the client's skin is essential for delivering the defibrillation shock effectively.

Here's a detailed breakdown of why this contact is so critical:

Maximizes energy transfer: Firm contact minimizes the impedance (resistance) between the paddles and the skin, allowing for the maximum amount of electrical energy to be transferred to the heart.

Reduces arcing: Arcing occurs when electrical energy jumps through the air instead of passing through the intended path (between the paddles and the heart). This can cause skin burns and reduce the effectiveness of the shock. Firm contact helps prevent arcing by ensuring a direct connection.

Ensures consistent current flow: Consistent contact ensures that the electrical current flows evenly across the chest, reaching all areas of the heart muscle. This increases the likelihood of successful defibrillation.

Minimizes energy loss: Any gaps or poor contact between the paddles and skin can lead to energy loss, reducing the shock's strength and effectiveness.

Choice C rationale:

Sync mode (synchronized cardioversion) is used for specific heart rhythm disturbances, such as atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter, where the shock needs to be timed with the QRS complex on the ECG.

Ventricular fibrillation, however, is a chaotic rhythm without distinct QRS complexes, so sync mode is not appropriate.

Using sync mode in ventricular fibrillation could delay the shock and potentially decrease its effectiveness.

Choice D rationale:

Water is not an appropriate conducting agent for defibrillation.

It can actually increase the risk of burns and decrease the effectiveness of the shock.

Approved conducting agents, such as gel pads or paste, should be used to ensure optimal energy transfer and patient safety.

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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?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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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?