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. Standard precautions:
Standard precautions are the basic level of infection control and should be used for all patient care. These precautions include practices like hand hygiene, the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe injection practices.
B. Airborne precautions:
These precautions are used to prevent the transmission of infectious agents that are spread through the air. In the case of tuberculosis (TB), which is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, airborne precautions are necessary to reduce the risk of airborne transmission.
C. Contact precautions:
Contact precautions are used for patients with known or suspected infections that can be transmitted by direct or indirect contact. Examples include Clostridium difficile infection and multidrug-resistant organisms. These precautions involve the use of PPE and may include patient placement in a private room.
D. Droplet precautions:
Droplet precautions are used when a patient is known or suspected to be infected with pathogens that are transmitted by respiratory droplets. Examples include influenza and certain types of bacterial meningitis. These precautions include placing the patient in a private room and using PPE.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Coronary artery disease (CAD):
Coronary artery disease primarily affects the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle. Symptoms often include chest pain (angina) rather than pain in the lower extremities. The symptoms described in the scenario are not characteristic of CAD.
B. Arterial embolus:
An arterial embolus is a blood clot or debris that travels through the bloodstream and can block an artery. While it can cause decreased blood flow and pain, the presentation in the lower left leg and foot with relief of pain at rest is more suggestive of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or intermittent claudication rather than an acute arterial embolus.
C. Raynaud disease:
Raynaud's disease is characterized by episodes of reduced blood flow to the extremities, usually triggered by cold or stress. It typically involves color changes (white, blue, red) in the fingers or toes. The symptoms described, including pain in the lower leg and foot during walking, are not typical of Raynaud's disease.
D. Intermittent claudication:
Intermittent claudication is a symptom associated with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). It involves pain or cramping in the legs during physical activity, such as walking, due to reduced blood flow to the muscles. Rest typically relieves the pain. The observation of a hairless leg and slight edema suggests potential vascular compromise in the lower extremity, supporting the diagnosis of intermittent claudication.
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