The nurse on the intermediate care unit received change-of-shift report on four clients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess first?
A client with a blood pressure of 190/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain
A client with a blood pressure of 190/104 mm Hg who has sinus tachycardia
A client with a blood pressure of 178/90 mm Hg who has intermittent claudication
A client with a blood pressure of 172/98 mm Hg scheduled for a stress test
The Correct Answer is A
The nurse should assess the client with a blood pressure of 190/92 mm Hg who reports chest pain first. Chest pain can be a symptom of myocardial ischemia or a heart attack, which requires immediate attention. The combination of high blood pressure and chest pain is concerning and may indicate acute coronary syndrome. Prompt assessment and intervention are crucial to evaluate the cause of the chest pain and initiate appropriate treatment.
A client with a blood pressure of 190/104 mm Hg who has sinus tachycardia: While sinus tachycardia may indicate increased heart rate, it does not necessarily require immediate assessment unless other concerning symptoms are present. However, the nurse should address the elevated blood pressure in a timely manner.
Intermittent claudication refers to leg pain or discomfort during physical activity due to reduced blood flow. While it is important to assess and manage this symptom, it is not typically considered an urgent condition requiring immediate assessment compared to chest pain.
The client scheduled for a stress test may have elevated blood pressure, but if they are stable and not currently experiencing symptoms, they may not require immediate assessment compared to a client with chest pain.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
While it is generally recommended to avoid close or prolonged exposure to strong magnetic fields, such as those generated by MRI machines, placing items that generate magnetic fields over the pacemaker/ICD, such as cell phones or certain medical devices, does not typically pose a risk. Therefore, it would be important for the nurse to clarify the client's understanding and provide accurate information about the precautions related to magnetic fields.
The other statements made by the client are generally correct and align with the typical recommendations for individuals with pacemakers/ICDs:
Avoiding contact sports or lifting heavy objects for a specified period of time after pacemaker/ICD insertion is usually advised to allow for proper healing and to reduce the risk of lead dislodgment or damage to the device.
Informing dentists and healthcare providers about the presence of a pacemaker/ICD is important so that they can take appropriate precautions during procedures or treatments that may involve electromagnetic interference or interfere with the device's functioning.
While it is generally advised to avoid close proximity to strong magnetic fields, such as those in airports or certain household appliances, it does not necessarily mean completely avoiding them. The nurse can clarify the specific recommendations regarding metal detectors at airports and the safe use of household appliances.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
The nurse should teach the client that the transthoracic echocardiography is a noninvasive test and that nothing will be inserted into the client's body.
Transthoracic echocardiography is a diagnostic procedure that uses ultrasound to create images of the heart's structures and assess its function. It is a noninvasive test, meaning that it does not involve any insertion of instruments or devices into the body. Instead, a transducer is placed on the chest to obtain images of the heart.
The statement about managing pain aggressively during the procedure is not applicable to transthoracic echocardiography. It is generally a painless procedure that does not cause discomfort.
Transthoracic echocardiography primarily provides detailed images of the heart's structures and function, such as the chambers, valves, and pumping action. It does not specifically profile the heart's electrical activity, which is usually assessed using an electrocardiogram (ECG) or other specialized tests.
Regarding bed rest after the test, there is typically no need for bed rest following transthoracic echocardiography. The client can usually resume normal activities immediately after the procedure. However, the nurse should provide specific instructions based on the client's condition and any additional tests or interventions planned.
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