The nurse auscultates the precordium of a client who is diagnosed with mitral valve regurgitation and hears a grade IV systolic murmur. When documenting the comparison of systolic murmurs, which characteristics should the nurse use to support this systolic finding?
Loud, at the apex, associated with a palpable thrill.
Very loud, with no stethoscope, thrill easily palpable, heave visible.
Soft, barely heard on auscultation in a quiet room.
Moderately loud, machine-like rumble, not associated with a thrill.
The Correct Answer is A
A. A grade IV systolic murmur is considered loud and may be associated with a palpable thrill. In mitral valve regurgitation, the murmur is often best heard at the apex of the heart. A thrill, which is a vibration felt on the chest wall, is a sign of a more significant murmur. This description is consistent with a grade IV murmur, which is typically loud and may indeed be associated with a thrill.
B. Very loud, with no stethoscope, thrill easily palpable, heave visible.
B. A grade V systolic murmur is very loud and can be heard with the stethoscope barely touching the chest. It often comes with a palpable thrill and may be accompanied by a visible heave or lift of the
chest wall. This description is consistent with a grade V murmur, not grade IV. Therefore, it’s not the
correct description for a grade IV murmur.
C. A soft murmur, barely audible, describes a grade I or grade II systolic murmur. This does not match the characteristics of a grade IV murmur, which is louder and more easily heard. Therefore, this description does not support a grade IV murmur.
D. A moderately loud murmur, without a thrill, could describe a grade III murmur. Additionally, a "machine-like rumble" is more characteristic of a diastolic murmur, such as those heard in conditions like aortic regurgitation or mitral stenosis, rather than a systolic murmur associated with mitral valve regurgitation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Shaking the client and calling their name is generally used to assess responsiveness in clients who are not deeply unconscious but may be drowsy or semi-conscious. However, in clients with a marked reduction in LOC, this approach might not be effective because it does not provide sufficient stimulation to elicit a response from someone with significantly diminished consciousness.
B. Applying firm pressure to the center of the sternum (sternal rub) is an effective method for assessing a client's response to painful stimuli, especially when there is a marked reduction in LOC. This technique involves using the knuckles to rub or press firmly on the sternum, which provides a strong and potentially painful stimulus to evaluate the client's responsiveness.
C. Aromatic spirits of peppermint are used to stimulate a client's sense of smell but are not effective for assessing response to painful stimuli. This method is more suitable for clients who are semi-conscious and may respond to sensory stimulation but does not provide the level of stimulation needed for assessing deep unconsciousness.
D. Running a pointed object up the sole of the foot is a method used to test the plantar reflex (Babinski reflex) and is not typically used to assess a response to painful stimuli. This method might be useful in neurological assessments but does not provide sufficient stimulation to assess responsiveness in a client with a marked reduction in LOC.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This open-ended question allows the client to describe the reason for their visit in their own words, which can provide a broad range of information about their current concerns or symptoms. It encourages the client to share specific issues or problems they are experiencing since the surgery, which could include pain, complications, or other concerns.
B. While this question is important for assessing one aspect of the client’s postoperative condition, it is somewhat narrow. It focuses specifically on pain, which is only one possible postoperative issue. This question does not capture other potential concerns such as functional problems, wound healing, or systemic symptoms.
C. Knowing the type of surgery is important for understanding the client’s medical background and specific postoperative considerations. However, this question may not provide immediate information about the client’s current condition or why they are seeking follow-up care.
D. This question helps establish a timeline and can be useful for understanding the postoperative phase and assessing healing progress. However, it does not directly address the client's current symptoms or concerns. Knowing the timing of the surgery alone does not provide comprehensive information about the client's present condition or reasons for the visit.
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