The nurse is caring for a client with sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/min, blood pressure (BP) of 80/42 mm Hg, and reports feeling faint. Which is the appropriate action?

Give the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem).

Reposition the patient on the left side.

Have the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver.

Apply the transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

Sinus bradycardia with a heart rate of 32 beats/min and accompanying hypotension and symptoms of feeling faint indicates significant hemodynamic compromise. In such cases, the first-line intervention is to provide external cardiac pacing through transcutaneous pacemaker (TCP) pads. TCP can help increase the heart rate and improve cardiac output by delivering electrical impulses to the heart.

Administering the scheduled dose of diltiazem (Cardizem), a calcium channel blocker, is not appropriate in this situation. Diltiazem can further lower the heart rate and blood pressure, exacerbating the client's symptoms and potentially leading to adverse effects.

Repositioning the patient on the left side or having the patient perform the Valsalva maneuver are not effective interventions for treating sinus bradycardia with hemodynamic compromise. These actions may be used in specific situations, but in this case, the client requires immediate intervention to address the low heart rate and blood pressure.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

"I will use a heating pad on my feet at night to increase the circulation.": Using a heating pad on the feet at night is not recommended for clients with peripheral artery disease. The application of heat, such as from a heating pad, can dilate blood vessels and potentially worsen the symptoms of peripheral artery disease. This can lead to reduced blood flow to the affected limbs and increase the risk of complications.

The other client statements demonstrate an understanding of peripheral artery disease management:

"I will avoid long periods of sitting down with my legs crossed over." This statement shows awareness of the importance of maintaining good blood flow and avoiding positions that can restrict circulation.

"I will walk to the point of pain, rest, and walk again for at least 30 minutes." This statement indicates an understanding of the concept of intermittent claudication, a common symptom of peripheral artery disease. Walking until pain occurs, resting, and then resuming walking helps improve circulation and increases walking distance over time.

"I will buy some loose clothes that do not bind across my legs or waist." This statement reflects an awareness of the need to wear loose-fitting clothes that do not constrict blood flow to the legs or waist area.

A. Most people are able to control BP through dietary changes. B. Increasing physical activity controls blood pressure (BP) for most people. C. Annual BP checks are needed to monitor treatment effectiveness. D. Hypertension is usually asymptomatic until target organ damage occurs

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is often referred to as the "silent killer" because it typically does not cause noticeable symptoms until it has already caused damage to target organs such as the heart, blood vessels, kidneys, or brain. It is crucial for the client to understand that even if they do not experience symptoms, untreated or poorly controlled hypertension can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, and more.

While dietary changes and increasing physical activity are important lifestyle modifications for managing hypertension, it is not accurate to state that most people can control their blood pressure through these measures alone. Hypertension is a complex condition influenced by multiple factors, and many individuals require additional interventions, such as medication, to effectively manage their blood pressure.

Annual blood pressure checks are indeed important to monitor the effectiveness of treatment and ensure that blood pressure remains within the target range. However, this information is secondary to the understanding that hypertension is typically asymptomatic until target organ damage occurs.

Recognizing the potential risks associated with untreated or uncontrolled hypertension can motivate the client to adhere to their treatment plan and make necessary lifestyle changes.

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The nurse is caring for a client with sinus bradycardia at a rate of 32 beats/min, blood pressure (BP) of 80/42 mm Hg, and reports feeling faint. Which is the appropriate action?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is teaching a client with chronic peripheral artery disease. What client statement indicates the need for further teaching?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Which information is most important for the nurse to include when teaching a client newly diagnosed with hypertension?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The client is diagnosed with an abdominal aortic aneurysm. Which statement would the nurse expect the client to make during the admission assessment?

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The nurse and unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) on the telemetry unit are caring for four clients. Which nursing action can be delegated to the UAP?

The nurse is teaching the community about blood pressure. What blood pressure finding by the nurse indicates that no changes in therapy are needed for a client with newly diagnosed hypertension?

A nurse is assessing a client with a history of high blood pressure. The client's blood pressure is 210/106 mm Hg during the assessment. What follow-up question should the nurse ask?

A nurse is assessing a client with intermittent claudication. What client statement supports this information?

The nurse is caring for a client with hypertension who is on alpha blockers. The nurse is concerned about postural hypotension. Which information should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

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