The nurse understands that chest pain related to pericarditis is classically relieved by
gabapentin & acetaminophen
extended release opioids
sitting & leaning forward
supine with head of bed 15 degrees
The Correct Answer is C
A. gabapentin & acetaminophen: While acetaminophen may help with pain relief, gabapentin is primarily used for neuropathic pain and not effective for the inflammatory chest pain associated with pericarditis. These medications do not address the positional nature of pericardial pain.
B. extended release opioids: Opioids may provide general pain relief but are not the standard treatment for pericarditis-related pain. They do not address the inflammatory cause and carry risks of sedation and respiratory depression without improving cardiac inflammation.
C. sitting & leaning forward: Pericarditis pain is classically relieved by having the patient sit up and lean forward. This position reduces pressure on the pericardium and decreases pain by allowing the inflamed pericardial layers to separate slightly, reducing friction.
D. supine with head of bed 15 degrees: Lying flat or even slightly elevated can worsen pericarditis pain because it increases pressure on the inflamed pericardium. Patients often report increased discomfort in the supine position, making it less favorable for symptom relief.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. ambulate in the hall 3 times daily without shortness of breath: This directly reflects improved tolerance to activity, the central focus of the nursing diagnosis. Being able to ambulate without dyspnea indicates better cardiac output and ventricular function, marking resolution of the identified problem.
B. have an increase in systolic blood pressure of 20 mmHg during activity: A rise in systolic pressure may occur with exertion, but it does not necessarily indicate improved activity tolerance. In fact, an exaggerated BP response could indicate the heart is working harder than it should to meet the demands, suggesting poor cardiovascular adaptation to exercise.
C. decrease weight from 150 lbs. (68.2 kg.) to 148 lbs. (67.3 kg.) in five days: A slight weight reduction may reflect decreased fluid retention, but this outcome is more relevant to volume status and fluid balance than to resolving activity intolerance specifically.
D. verbalize the signs and symptoms of worsening heart failure by discharge:
While important for client education and self-management, this outcome relates to knowledge rather than physical tolerance to activity. It does not directly measure resolution of activity intolerance.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Increase the pacemaker sensitivity: Adjusting pacemaker sensitivity is a technical function typically managed by a cardiologist or device technician. There is no indication from the information provided that the pacemaker is under- or over-sensing, so no adjustment is warranted.
B. Document that the pacemaker is regular: While the pacemaker may be functioning regularly, this statement is vague and does not accurately describe the observed pacing activity. The key observation is the spike occurring before the P wave, which requires more specific documentation.
C. Set the pacemaker to the asynchronous mode: Asynchronous pacing means the pacemaker fires at a set rate regardless of the patient's intrinsic rhythm and is generally reserved for specific situations such as during surgery or when interference with sensing is suspected. There is no evidence of pacemaker malfunction or need to override sensing in this scenario.
D. Document that the atria are being paced: A pacemaker spike immediately before the P wave indicates atrial pacing. This means the pacemaker is stimulating the atria, leading to atrial depolarization. This is the appropriate interpretation and should be documented clearly.
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