The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute decompensated heart failure. The client is increasingly anxious and restless. The nurse should plan to implement which prescribed orders to assist in relieving these symptoms?
Dopamine and 50% non-rebreather mask
Nesiritide IV infusion and digoxin PO
Diazepam IV push and metoprolol IV
Morphine IV and oxygen 2 liters via nasal cannula
The Correct Answer is D
A. Dopamine and 50% non-rebreather mask: Dopamine is a vasopressor used in hypotension or shock, an inotropic agent used to improve cardiac output, not typically first-line for anxiety or respiratory distress. A non-rebreather mask may provide high oxygen levels but can be overwhelming and exacerbate anxiety if not well tolerated.
B. Nesiritide IV infusion and digoxin PO: Nesiritide is a vasodilator which may reduce preload and afterload in heart failure, and digoxin is a positive inotrope that can improve contractility, but neither offers rapid relief for anxiety and dyspnea. These medications have slower onset and are not used primarily for symptom control in acute distress.
C. Diazepam IV push and metoprolol IV: While diazepam may reduce anxiety, it can depress respiration, which is dangerous in decompensated heart failure with potential pulmonary edema. Metoprolol reduces heart rate and contractility and must be used cautiously in acute settings.
D. Morphine IV and oxygen 2 liters via nasal cannula: Morphine reduces preload, anxiety, and the sensation of breathlessness, making it ideal in acute decompensated heart failure. Low-flow oxygen improves oxygenation without overwhelming the patient. This combination directly targets both physiologic and psychological distress.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["125"]
Explanation
Calculate the total volume to be infused in drops.
Total drops = Total volume (mL) × Drop factor (gtts/mL)
= 1000 mL × 60 gtts/mL
= 60000 gtts
Calculate the total infusion time in minutes.
Total infusion time (minutes) = Total hours × 60 minutes/hour
= 8 hours × 60 minutes/hour
= 480 minutes
Calculate the IV flow rate in drops per minute (gtts/min).
IV rate (gtts/min) = Total drops / Total infusion time (minutes)
= 60000 gtts / 480 minutes
= 125
=125 gtts/min
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. gabapentin & acetaminophen: While acetaminophen may help with pain relief, gabapentin is primarily used for neuropathic pain and not effective for the inflammatory chest pain associated with pericarditis. These medications do not address the positional nature of pericardial pain.
B. extended release opioids: Opioids may provide general pain relief but are not the standard treatment for pericarditis-related pain. They do not address the inflammatory cause and carry risks of sedation and respiratory depression without improving cardiac inflammation.
C. sitting & leaning forward: Pericarditis pain is classically relieved by having the patient sit up and lean forward. This position reduces pressure on the pericardium and decreases pain by allowing the inflamed pericardial layers to separate slightly, reducing friction.
D. supine with head of bed 15 degrees: Lying flat or even slightly elevated can worsen pericarditis pain because it increases pressure on the inflamed pericardium. Patients often report increased discomfort in the supine position, making it less favorable for symptom relief.
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