The nurse is caring for a client who is undergoing an exercise stress test. Prior to reaching the target heart rate, the client develops chest pain. What is the nurse’s most appropriate interpretation of the chest pain?
The patient pain reflects the target heart rate has been set too high and needs to be lowered to finish the test.
The patient’s pain reflects pericarditis and the test should be stopped.
The patient’s pain reflects ischemia to the myocardium and the test should be stopped.
The patient’s pain reflects that supplemental oxygen is needed to finish the test.
The Correct Answer is C
A. The patient pain reflects the target heart rate has been set too high and needs to be lowered to finish the test.
This option suggests that the chest pain is related to the target heart rate being set too high. However, chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than an inappropriate target heart rate. Lowering the target heart rate may not address the underlying issue of ischemia.
B. The patient’s pain reflects pericarditis and the test should be stopped.
Chest pain during an exercise stress test is more commonly associated with myocardial ischemia rather than pericarditis. Pericarditis is inflammation of the pericardium, and its symptoms may include chest pain that is often sharp and pleuritic. However, during an exercise stress test, the focus is on detecting cardiovascular abnormalities, and chest pain is more concerning for ischemia.
C. The patient’s pain reflects ischemia to the myocardium and the test should be stopped.
This is the most appropriate interpretation. Chest pain during an exercise stress test may indicate insufficient oxygen supply to the myocardium (ischemia). Stopping the test allows for further evaluation and appropriate intervention.
D. The patient’s pain reflects that supplemental oxygen is needed to finish the test.
Chest pain during an exercise stress test is not typically addressed by providing supplemental oxygen. Stopping the test and evaluating the cause of the chest pain is a more appropriate action.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Maintaining a diet high in dairy to increase protein necessary to prevent organ damage
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. While a balanced diet is important, there is no specific recommendation to maintain a diet high in dairy to prevent organ damage related to hypertension.
B. Use of strategies to prevent falls stemming from postural hypotension
Explanation: This is a correct and important consideration. Beta-blockers can cause postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), and strategies to prevent falls, such as rising slowly from a sitting or lying position, are crucial.
C. Limiting exercise to avoid injury that can be caused by increased intracranial pressure
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Exercise is generally beneficial for individuals with hypertension, and beta-blockers do not cause increased intracranial pressure.
D. Increasing fluids to avoid extracellular volume depletion from the diuretic effects of the beta-blocker
Explanation: This statement is not accurate. Beta-blockers are not typically associated with diuretic effects. Diuretics are a different class of medications commonly used for hypertension.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Kyphosis and clubbing of the fingers:
Kyphosis refers to an excessive forward curvature of the spine, which is not directly related to diminished breath sounds. Clubbing of the fingers is often associated with chronic respiratory conditions, but it is not directly linked to the finding of diminished breath sounds.
B. Dyspnea and hypoxemia:
Dyspnea (shortness of breath) and hypoxemia (low oxygen levels in the blood) are common symptoms in COPD, but diminished breath sounds may indicate an additional concern, such as pneumothorax or other complications.
C. Sepsis and pneumothorax:
Diminished breath sounds can be a sign of pneumothorax, a condition where air accumulates in the pleural space, leading to lung collapse. Sepsis is a risk in clients with COPD due to the potential for respiratory infections. Monitoring for these complications is crucial.
D. Bradypnea and pursed-lip breathing:
Bradypnea (slow breathing) and pursed-lip breathing are coping mechanisms that individuals with COPD may use to manage their breathing difficulties. While they are relevant in the context of COPD, they are not directly associated with the finding of diminished breath sounds.
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