The nurse is performing an admission assessment on a client who is being admitted for right- sided heart failure. Which statement made by the patient would be consistent with right-sided heart failure?
"I feel short of breath when I lie down flat."
"The sputum I have been coughing up is pink."
"The nurse I had yesterday said she could hear fluid in my lungs."
"I feel like fluid has been building up in my abdominal area."
The Correct Answer is D
A. This symptom is consistent with orthopnea, which is common in left-sided heart failure rather than right-sided heart failure. In orthopnea, patients experience shortness of breath when lying flat because fluid accumulates in the lungs due to impaired left ventricular function.
B. Pink-tinged or blood-tinged sputum, known as hemoptysis, can occur in left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion and elevated pressures in the pulmonary circulation. This symptom is not typically associated with right-sided heart failure.
C. This finding suggests pulmonary congestion, which is more indicative of left-sided heart failure. In left- sided heart failure, fluid backs up into the lungs, leading to crackles or rales on auscultation.
D. This statement is consistent with right-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the right ventricle fails to effectively pump blood into the pulmonary circulation, causing fluid to back up into the venous system. This can lead to peripheral edema (such as in the legs and abdomen) and abdominal distension due to ascites (fluid accumulation in the peritoneal cavity).
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Atrial flutter typically presents with a regular atrial rate (usually around 250-350 beats per minute) and a characteristic "sawtooth" pattern of flutter waves (F-waves) on the ECG. This condition would not present with irregular ventricular rates and is less likely based on the ECG findings described.
B. Atrial fibrillation is identified by an irregularly irregular rhythm and the absence of P-waves on the ECG, which is replaced by erratic activity.
C. Unstable angina presents with chest pain or discomfort due to reduced blood flow to the heart muscles, usually related to atherosclerotic plaque rupture or erosion. It does not cause the ECG findings described (absence of P-waves and irregular ventricular rate).
D. PACs are early atrial depolarizations that can cause palpitations but do not typically result in the absence of P-waves or irregular ventricular rates as described in the scenario.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This option is appropriate because the client's low white blood cell count (3,100/mm³) suggests they are at risk for infection due to chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression. Using an electric shaver reduces the risk of cuts and nicks that could potentially lead to infections.
B. This option is not necessary based on the client's current lab results. Negative pressure isolation rooms are typically reserved for clients with severely compromised immune systems, such as those with very low neutrophil counts (neutropenia). A white blood cell count of 3,100/mm³ is within a range where standard precautions are usually sufficient.
C. This option addresses food safety precautions for clients with neutropenia (low white blood cell count). Raw vegetables, including salads, have a higher risk of harboring bacteria that could cause infections. Therefore, cooked vegetables are safer for clients with compromised immune systems.
D. This option is appropriate because chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia (low platelet count of 280,000/mm³) increases the risk of bleeding. Forceful blowing of the nose can traumatize the nasal mucosa and increase the risk of nosebleeds. Dabbing the nose gently is a safer method to avoid nosebleeds.
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