The nurse is caring for a patient with muffled heart sounds, jugular venous distention and hypotension. The provider diagnoses the patient with cardiac tamponade. The nurse understands that the priority of treatment for this type of shock is
immediate removal of the cause of obstruction.
patient will be admitted for a cardiac catheterization.
administering furosemide for its diuretic effects.
withholding iv fluids due to fluid overload.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Immediate removal of the cause of obstruction.
Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardium, which compresses the heart. The definitive treatment is pericardiocentesis to remove the fluid and relieve the obstruction.
B. Patient will be admitted for a cardiac catheterization.
While catheterization may be performed later for underlying cardiac disease, tamponade requires urgent intervention, not just admission.
C. Administering furosemide for its diuretic effects.
Diuretics reduce preload, which can worsen hypotension in tamponade by further decreasing cardiac output.
D. Withholding IV fluids due to fluid overload.
IV fluids may be used to maintain preload while waiting for pericardiocentesis. The issue is not volume overload but rather mechanical obstruction.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Respiratory rate 24 and bloody drainage in the NG tube
While an increased respiratory rate and bloody drainage are concerning, they may not indicate an immediate life-threatening situation compared to the other options.
B. Client is oriented to name and place but not the date
This suggests some level of confusion or altered mental status, which is important but not necessarily an immediate threat.
C. Blood pressure 40/48 and urine output of 24 mL/hour
This indicates severe hypotension and inadequate perfusion, which are signs of ongoing shock and possibly continued internal bleeding. Immediate intervention is critical.
D. Hypo-active bowel sounds and tachycardia
Hypo-active bowel sounds and tachycardia are concerning and suggestive of shock, but they are not as immediately life-threatening as severely low blood pressure and low urine output.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Stop transfusion, run normal saline is correct because the client is likely experiencing an acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR), which is life-threatening. The priority is to stop the transfusion immediately and maintain IV access with normal saline to prevent further hemolysis.
B. Administer morphine IV is incorrect because pain management is important, but stopping the transfusion is the immediate priority.
C. Administer epinephrine IM is incorrect because epinephrine is used for anaphylaxis, not hemolytic reactions.
D. Continue to monitor the infusion is incorrect because the transfusion must be stopped immediately to prevent worsening hemolysis.
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