The nurse is assessing a client with a heart rate of 124 bpm. What clinical finding(s) should the nurse assess as causes of tachycardia? Select all that apply.

The best response by the nurse would be to explain that no food or drink is allowed for 4 hours before the stress test.

The reason for this restriction is that consuming food or drink can affect the accuracy of the cardiac stress test results. Eating or drinking can increase heart rate and blood pressure, potentially altering the test's interpretation. It is important for the client to have an empty stomach to ensure accurate test results.

Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the best responses:

Asking the client's visitor to bring some coffee from the cafeteria for the client: This option goes against the restriction of no food or drink before the stress test. It is important to adhere to the guidelines provided to ensure accurate test results.

Making up a small breakfast tray from what is available on the unit: Similarly, providing breakfast to the client goes against the restriction of no food before the stress test. The client should have an empty stomach for the test.

Offering hot tea or coffee only: While hot tea or coffee might be tempting for the client, it still violates the requirement of no food or drink before the stress test. The client should only be allowed to consume water during the fasting period.

A bruit is a sound that can be heard with a stethoscope when blood flows through a narrowed or damaged artery. An abdominal bruit may indicate an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which is a bulge or swelling in the main blood vessel that runs from the heart down through the chest and tummy.

Shortness of breath is a common symptom of many conditions, but it is not specific to AAA. It can be caused by heart or lung problems, anemia, anxiety, lack of exercise, obesity, and many other factors. Shortness of breath may occur with a ruptured AAA, but it is not a reliable sign of an intact AAA.

Ripping abdominal pain is a severe and sudden pain that may indicate a ruptured AAA, which is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate medical attention. However, an intact AAA usually does not cause any pain or discomfort. Therefore, ripping abdominal pain is not a good indicator of an AAA diagnosis.

Decreased urinary output is a sign of reduced kidney function, which can have many causes such as dehydration, kidney failure, urinary tract obstruction, or medication side effects. Decreased urinary output is not directly related to AAA, although it may occur as a complication of a ruptured AAA or surgery to repair an AAA.