The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome who has just returned to the nursing unit following an intracoronary stent insertion. Which action is the priority at this time?
Monitoring the skin color and turgor
Monitoring the blood pressure every fifteen minutes.
Monitoring the cardiac enzymes every eight hours
Performing neurological checks every fifteen minutes
The Correct Answer is B
A) Monitoring the skin color and turgor:
While monitoring skin color and turgor is important in assessing fluid status and perfusion, it is not the immediate priority following an intracoronary stent insertion. Skin turgor is more useful in assessing dehydration or hypovolemia, but after a stent placement, the priority is to ensure the client is stable hemodynamically and there are no complications such as bleeding or thrombosis at the insertion site.
B) Monitoring the blood pressure every fifteen minutes:
Following an intracoronary stent insertion, it is crucial to monitor the client's blood pressure closely, as this procedure can lead to complications such as bleeding, clot formation, or vessel rupture. Monitoring blood pressure frequently (every 15 minutes initially) helps detect any signs of hypotension or hypertension that may indicate complications like bleeding or a clot.
C) Monitoring the cardiac enzymes every eight hours:
Cardiac enzymes, such as troponin, are typically used to assess myocardial injury and can be elevated in the setting of acute coronary syndrome. However, this is not the immediate priority post-procedure. The primary concern immediately after an intracoronary stent insertion is ensuring hemodynamic stability and preventing complications such as bleeding or thromboembolism, rather than focusing solely on enzyme levels.
D) Performing neurological checks every fifteen minutes:
Neurological checks are important in cases of stroke, neurological compromise, or complications like a clot dislodging. However, in the context of a patient who has just had an intracoronary stent placement, neurological checks are not the immediate priority unless there are signs of neurological symptoms (such as sudden weakness or confusion) that indicate a complication like an embolism or stroke.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A) Notify the primary care provider with increased urine output
Increased urine output is not directly related to signs or symptoms of infection associated with a tunneled IV catheter, such as a Hickman catheter. While changes in urinary output might indicate renal or other systemic issues, they do not signal a local infection at the insertion site.
B) Assess daily for redness, swelling, or exudate at insertion site weekly
One of the most common complications of a tunneled IV catheter, such as a Hickman, is infection at the insertion site or along the catheter tract. The nurse should instruct the patient to monitor for signs of infection, including redness, swelling, and exudate (pus or drainage) at the insertion site. These signs suggest possible infection, and early detection is critical to preventing more serious complications like sepsis.
C) The primary care provider will monitor hemoglobin and hematocrit values
While monitoring hemoglobin and hematocrit values is important for assessing overall health and blood status, it is not specifically related to monitoring for infection in a client with a tunneled IV catheter. Hemoglobin and hematocrit can provide information about anemia or dehydration but do not directly indicate an infection at the insertion site.
D) To maintain patency, the catheter should be flushed weekly using a 5ml syringe
Although flushing a tunneled IV catheter to maintain patency is important, this response does not directly address infection prevention, which is the focus of the question. Typically, a catheter should be flushed as per specific guidelines (which may include daily or weekly flushing, depending on the clinical setting).
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) A Rhinovirus infection can cause cancer of the cervix
Rhinovirus is primarily associated with the common cold and respiratory infections, not with cervical cancer. The risk factors for cervical cancer are related to persistent infections with certain strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), especially high-risk types like HPV-16 and HPV-18, which can lead to cervical dysplasia and, eventually, cervical cancer.
B) Eating foods high in fat and taking birth control pills are risk factors
While diet and certain medications may influence overall health, eating foods high in fat and taking birth control pills are not primary risk factors for cervical cancer. Research has shown that certain hormonal contraceptives (especially long-term use) may slightly increase the risk of cervical cancer, but the most significant and well-established risk factor is HPV infection, not fat intake or birth control use.
C) The earlier the age of sexual activity and the more partners, the greater the risk
The major risk factor for cervical cancer is persistent infection with high-risk HPV. Early initiation of sexual activity and having multiple sexual partners increase the risk of HPV infection, which is a leading cause of cervical cancer. HPV is transmitted through sexual contact, and early exposure to the virus, as well as repeated exposure to multiple partners, increases the likelihood of acquiring a high-risk strain of HPV.
D) Having yearly Pap smears will protect you from developing cancer
While Pap smears (Pap tests) are important for detecting precancerous changes (such as dysplasia) or early-stage cervical cancer, they do not prevent cancer. Pap smears can help identify abnormal cell changes that can be treated before they develop into cancer, but they do not protect against the development of cancer.
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