The practical nurse (PN) is assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF). What intervention is most important for the PN to implement?
Inspect for sacral edema.
Measure urinary output.
Auscultate all lung fields.
Check mental acuity.
The Correct Answer is C
When assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure (HF), the most important intervention for the practical nurse (PN) to implement is to auscultate all lung fields. Left-sided heart failure is characterized by the inability of the left ventricle to effectively pump blood, leading to fluid accumulation in the lungs. Auscultating all lung fields allows the PN to assess for the presence of abnormal lung sounds such as crackles, indicating pulmonary congestion.
Let's evaluate the other options:
a) Inspect for sacral edema.
Sacral edema is commonly associated with right-sided heart failure, not left-sided heart failure. While it is important to assess for edema in clients with heart failure, inspecting for sacral edema may not be the most immediate and crucial intervention in this specific case.
b) Measure urinary output.
Measuring urinary output is a valuable assessment in many clinical situations, but it may not be the most vital intervention in the context of left-sided heart failure. Monitoring urinary output is more relevant in assessing kidney function and fluid balance rather than directly assessing the severity of left-sided heart failure.
d) Check mental acuity.
Checking mental acuity is important in assessing the overall condition of the client, but it is not the most crucial intervention specifically related to left-sided heart failure. Mental status evaluation is more useful in identifying signs of altered mental status or potential complications, rather than directly assessing the impact of left-sided heart failure.
In summary, when assessing an older client with left-sided heart failure, the most important intervention for the practical nurse (PN) to implement is to auscultate all lung fields. This allows for the detection of abnormal lung sounds associated with pulmonary congestion, a hallmark sign of left-sided heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The correct answer is choice b. “Curling’s ulcer.”
Choice A rationale:
Elevated blood pressure is not a common complication specifically associated with partial-thickness burns. It may occur due to pain or stress but is not the most critical complication to anticipate.
Choice B rationale:
Curling’s ulcer, a type of stress ulcer, is a significant complication that can develop in burn patients due to the stress response and reduced blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract.
Choice C rationale:
Compartment syndrome is more commonly associated with circumferential full-thickness burns rather than partial-thickness burns.
Choice D rationale:
Excruciating pain is a symptom rather than a complication. While pain management is crucial, it is not the most critical complication to anticipate.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Emphasize that using safe sex practices removes the risk of STIs. Rationale: While promoting safe sex practices is essential in preventing STIs, this response is not directly addressing the client's situation. The client already reports having unprotected sex, so this choice does not provide relevant information or address the potential consequences.
Choice B rationale:
Explain that reinfections occur from sex with untreated partners. Rationale: This is the correct response. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that can be treated with antibiotics, but reinfections can occur if sexual partners are not treated. This response provides essential information about the potential consequences of unprotected sex with untreated partners.
Choice C rationale:
Clarify that all STIs are transmitted through sexual intercourse. Rationale: While this statement is accurate in a general sense, it does not specifically address the client's situation or the risks associated with syphilis. It lacks the focus needed to educate the client effectively about their current situation.
Choice D rationale:
Provide counseling that most contraceptives protect against infection. Rationale: This response is inaccurate. Contraceptives primarily aim to prevent pregnancy, not protect against STIs. Therefore, it does not address the client's concern or provide relevant information about syphilis.
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