The nurse is caring for a client experiencing dyspnea, dependent edema, hepatomegaly, crackles, and jugular vein distention. What condition should the nurse suspect?
Heart failure
Pulmonary embolism
Tension pneumothorax
Cardiac tamponade
The Correct Answer is A
A. Heart failure often presents with dyspnea, crackles (from pulmonary congestion), jugular vein distention, dependent edema, and hepatomegaly due to fluid overload and impaired cardiac output—these are classic signs.
B. Pulmonary embolism typically causes sudden dyspnea, chest pain, and tachypnea but not hepatomegaly or dependent edema.
C. Tension pneumothorax presents with tracheal deviation, absent breath sounds on one side, and hypotension—different from the systemic fluid overload signs described.
D. Cardiac tamponade presents with muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular vein distention (Beck's triad), but it does not cause crackles, hepatomegaly, or peripheral edema.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Scarring of the mitral valve is typically associated with rheumatic heart disease, not pericarditis.
B. Deformity of the valve leaflets is seen in valvular heart diseases, not pericarditis.
C. Inflammation of the endocardium refers to endocarditis, a different condition from pericarditis.
D. Pericardial effusion, the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, is a common complication of pericarditis and can lead to cardiac tamponade if not managed.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Transcutaneous pacing may be considered if the bradycardia does not respond to initial medical management, but it is not the first intervention.
B. Administering atropine IV is the first-line treatment for symptomatic bradycardia. Atropine works by increasing heart rate through its anticholinergic effects, helping to improve cardiac output and consciousness.
C. CPR is only indicated if the client is pulseless or not breathing. Since this client is still breathing, CPR is not appropriate at this stage.
D. Cardioversion is used for certain tachyarrhythmias (e.g., atrial fibrillation with rapid ventricular response), not for bradycardia.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.