The nurse is interviewing a client with a complex cardiac history. Which questions related to the client's history are most important to ask? Select all that apply.
Are you allergic to any medications or foods?
Do you have any children?
How did your mother die?
Have you had shortness of breath or weight gain?
How would you describe your symptoms?
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
The questions related to the client's history that are most important to ask are:
How would you describe your symptoms?: This question is important to assess the client's current cardiac symptoms and determine the severity, duration, and nature of their symptoms. It helps the nurse to evaluate the client's cardiac status and determine appropriate interventions.
Are you allergic to any medications or foods?: This question is crucial to identify any potential allergies that could impact the client's cardiac care. It helps the nurse ensure that medications and interventions are safe for the client and prevent any adverse reactions.
How did your mother die?:This question is important to gather information about the client's family history of cardiac diseases and potential risk factors. Understanding the family history helps the nurse assess the client's genetic predisposition to cardiac conditions and plan appropriate interventions and screenings.
Have you had shortness of breath or weight gain? : This question is important to assess for symptoms of heart failure or fluid retention. Shortness of breath and weight gain can indicate fluid accumulation, which is a common symptom in cardiac conditions. It helps the nurse evaluate the client's cardiac function and determine the need for further interventions or medication adjustments.
Let's review the other options and explain why they are not the most important questions to ask:
Do you have any children?: While family history is important, specifically asking about children is not as relevant to the client's current cardiac condition. The focus should be on the client's own symptoms, medical history, and family history of cardiac diseases.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Absent bilateral pedal pulses indicate a potential vascular complication, such as impaired circulation or blood flow to the lower extremities. It may suggest compromised perfusion and could be a sign of arterial occlusion or thrombosis, which requires immediate intervention. The nurse should notify the healthcare provider promptly to assess the client's condition and initiate appropriate interventions to restore circulation to the lower extremities.
While complaints of pain at the site of the incision are significant, post-operative pain is expected after abdominal surgery. The nurse should assess the pain and provide appropriate pain management interventions, but it may not require immediate intervention unless the pain is severe or accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
A distended, tender abdomen could indicate various post-operative complications, such as bowel obstruction or peritonitis. Although it should be evaluated and reported to the healthcare provider, it may not require immediate intervention unless the client's condition deteriorates or other signs of a surgical emergency are present.
An elevated temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) alone, without other signs of infection or systemic complications, may not necessarily require immediate intervention. It could be a normal response to surgery or a mild post-operative infection. The nurse should monitor the client's temperature and assess for other signs of infection, and if necessary, report it to the healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
ST-segment elevation during exercise stress testing is a concerning finding that may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. It can be a sign of myocardial ischemia or coronary artery disease. Cardiac catheterization is a diagnostic procedure that allows direct visualization of the coronary arteries and helps identify any blockages or narrowing that may be causing the ST-segment elevation.
Here's an explanation of why the other options are not the most appropriate procedures:
Transesophageal echocardiogram: Transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE) is a diagnostic test that involves inserting a probe into the esophagus to obtain detailed images of the heart. It is not typically used to evaluate ST-segment elevation, which primarily indicates coronary artery issues rather than structural abnormalities.
Telemetry monitoring: Telemetry monitoring involves continuous monitoring of a patient's heart rhythm and can be used for various cardiac conditions. While telemetry monitoring may be necessary for ongoing cardiac assessment, it is not a specific procedure to address the ST-segment elevation found during the exercise stress test.
Pharmacologic stress test: A pharmacologic stress test is an alternative to an exercise stress test for patients who cannot exercise. It involves administering medications that stimulate the heart to mimic the effects of exercise. While a pharmacologic stress testcan also reveal ST-segment changes, the presence of ST-segment elevation usually requires further evaluation with a more invasive procedure like cardiac catheterization.
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