The nurse is caring for a patient with manifestations of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). What is the priority nursing assessment?
Lung sounds
Facial swelling
Level of anxiety
Intake and output
The Correct Answer is A
In a patient with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF), the priority nursing assessment is to auscultate lung sounds. ADHF is characterized by the sudden worsening of heart failure symptoms, which may include pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Assessing lung sounds helps to identify signs of pulmonary edema, which is a serious complication of ADHF.
The nurse should listen for crackles or rales, which are abnormal lung sounds caused by the presence of fluid in the alveoli. These findings suggest that the patient is experiencing fluid overload and inadequate gas exchange in the lungs. Prompt recognition of pulmonary edema allows for early intervention, such as administering diuretics or other medications, to relieve fluid overload and improve respiratory function.
While the other options (B) Facial swelling, (C) Level of anxiety, and (D) Intake and output, are important assessments in a patient with heart failure, they are not the priority in a patient with manifestations of acute decompensated heart failure. The priority is to assess for signs of respiratory
distress and pulmonary congestion, as these can quickly lead to respiratory failure and life threatening complications.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This statement indicates effective learning because serum cardiac markers are indeed proteins that are released from necrotic (damaged) heart muscle cells when there is myocardial injury, such as in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These markers are measured in blood tests and help in the diagnosis and assessment of ACS, particularly myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Option A is incorrect because a nitroprusside stress echocardiogram is not used for acute pericarditis. It is a diagnostic test used for evaluating coronary artery disease and ischemia.
Option B is incorrect because a pathologic Q wave is not always present in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of patients with unstable angina. It is a characteristic finding in the ECG of patients with a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) but may not be present in unstable angina.
Option D is incorrect because coronary angiography is not the only way to confirm the diagnosis of unstable angina. Unstable angina is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical presentation, symptoms, and changes in the ECG. Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries directly and is typically reserved for cases where further assessment and intervention are needed, such as in cases of suspected coronary artery disease.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A 3 lb weight gain in a short period, especially overnight, is indicative of fluid overload in a client with end-stage kidney disease receiving hemodialysis. Hemodialysis is performed to remove excess fluid and waste products from the body. If the client is experiencing fluid overload, it means that their body is retaining more fluid than it should, and this can lead to complications such as pulmonary edema, heart failure, and other cardiovascular problems. The nurse should identify this finding as an indication of potential fluid overload and report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation and intervention.
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