The nurse is reviewing the client's medical record.
A nurse is reviewing the client's diagnostic results and vital signs. Which of the following actions should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Anticipate client to be prepped for cardiac catheterization.
Assist with a continuous heparin infusion.
Encourage the client to ambulate.
Anticipate an increased dosage of metoprolol.
Obtain a prescription for client to be NPO.
Request a prescription for an antibiotic.
Correct Answer : A,B,E
- Anticipate client to be prepped for cardiac catheterization: Given the client's diagnosis of myocardial infarction and persistent chest pain, cardiac catheterization may be necessary for evaluating coronary artery patency and determining the need for potential interventions such as angioplasty or stenting. Prepping the client for this procedure is appropriate.
- Assist with a continuous heparin infusion: Heparin is often used in acute coronary syndrome management to prevent thrombus formation and reduce the risk of further myocardial injury. Initiating a continuous heparin infusion may be indicated following an assessment of the client’s condition and provider orders.
- Encourage the client to ambulate: While early ambulation is important for recovery and preventing complications, in the acute phase of a myocardial infarction, clients should be closely monitored and may require bed rest initially. Encouraging ambulation should only occur once the client is stable and after consulting with the healthcare provider.
- Anticipate an increased dosage of metoprolol: Metoprolol is typically administered to manage heart rate and blood pressure, but the dosage should be based on the client’s current vital signs and response to treatment. If the client’s heart rate remains elevated or if there are signs of ongoing ischemia, an increased dosage may be necessary, but this should be based on provider orders rather than an automatic assumption.
- Obtain a prescription for client to be NPO: Clients scheduled for procedures such as cardiac catheterization often require NPO status to prevent aspiration during sedation. Additionally, if the client is experiencing nausea, keeping them NPO can prevent further complications.
- Request a prescription for an antibiotic: There is no indication of an infection or a need for antibiotic therapy. Antibiotics are typically not indicated for the management of myocardial infarction unless there is a concurrent infection. Therefore, requesting an antibiotic prescription is not appropriate.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. "I will take ibuprofen for mild pain": NSAIDs like ibuprofen can lead to sodium and fluid retention, which can exacerbate heart failure by increasing preload and worsening edema. They can also reduce the effectiveness of diuretics and ACE inhibitors, both of which are commonly used in heart failure management. Acetaminophen is generally preferred for pain relief as it does not contribute to fluid retention.
B. "I will weigh myself every other day": Daily weight monitoring is essential for detecting fluid retention early, as a sudden increase of 2–3 pounds in 24 hours or 5 pounds in a week can indicate worsening heart failure. Weighing every other day may delay the recognition of fluid overload, increasing the risk of complications such as pulmonary congestion and hospitalization.
C. "I will keep an exercise diary": Regularly tracking physical activity helps assess functional status and detect any decline in exercise tolerance, which could indicate worsening heart failure. An exercise diary allows the healthcare team to adjust activity levels appropriately, ensuring that the client remains active without overexertion. This approach also promotes adherence to a safe and structured exercise regimen, improving overall cardiovascular health.
D. "I will expect swelling in my feet and ankles": While mild peripheral edema can occur, it should never be considered normal in heart failure management. Swelling in the lower extremities suggests worsening fluid retention and should be promptly reported to the healthcare provider. Early intervention, such as medication adjustments or dietary modifications, can help prevent further decompensation and reduce the risk of hospitalization.
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
- Pain level: Chest pain rated at 7/10 with radiation to the left arm, along with diaphoresis and nausea, indicates a potential acute coronary syndrome, likely a myocardial infarction. Immediate intervention is necessary to relieve pain and address the underlying cause, as this could prevent further complications and potential cardiac damage.
- Electrocardiogram findings: ST-segment elevation and T wave changes suggest an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), which requires urgent medical attention. Prompt identification and activation of treatment protocols, such as percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy, are critical to restore blood flow and minimize myocardial damage.
- Troponin T level: An elevated troponin T level (0.40 ng/mL, with a normal range <0.1 ng/mL) indicates myocardial injury, supporting the diagnosis of an acute myocardial infarction. Immediate management is essential to mitigate further cardiac injury and ensure appropriate treatment is initiated based on the severity of the elevation.
- Blood pressure: While the blood pressure reading of 164/80 mm Hg indicates hypertension, it is not critically high and does not require immediate intervention like the other findings. However, elevated blood pressure in the context of a myocardial infarction can increase myocardial oxygen demand, leading to further complications, thus it should be monitored closely.
- Blood glucose level: The blood glucose level of 103 mg/dL is within normal limits (74-106 mg/dL) and does not indicate an immediate concern. Although monitoring blood glucose is essential in clients with diabetes, it is not a priority in the context of acute coronary syndrome.
- Bowel sounds: The presence of bowel sounds indicates gastrointestinal function and does not require immediate follow-up in this context. While it’s important to assess overall health, bowel sounds are not a priority when addressing acute cardiac symptoms.
- Lung sounds: Clear lung sounds indicate that there is no pulmonary congestion or other respiratory complications at this time. While lung assessment is essential for overall patient evaluation, clear lung sounds do not require immediate follow-up in this acute setting.
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