The practical nurse (PN) is assisting with the admission of a client with complications of left- sided heart failure. Which focused assessment should the PN implement first?
Heart sounds
Mood and affect
Chest pain
Bilateral lung sounds
The Correct Answer is D
The correct answer is choice D - Bilateral lung sounds.
Choice A rationale:
Heart sounds. While assessing heart sounds is crucial, the question specifically mentions complications of left-sided heart failure, which primarily affects the lungs. Therefore, assessing lung sounds is a higher priority in this situation.
Choice B rationale:
Mood and affect. While assessing the client's mood and affect is important for holistic care, it is not the most critical assessment to implement first in the case of left-sided heart failure complications.
Choice C rationale:
Chest pain. Although chest pain may be a symptom of left-sided heart failure complications, assessing bilateral lung sounds takes precedence as it directly relates to the client's respiratory status.
Choice D rationale:
Bilateral lung sounds. In left-sided heart failure, fluid can accumulate in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Therefore, assessing lung sounds helps identify any respiratory distress early on, allowing prompt intervention and prevention of further complications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
This is the best site for the PN to observe because it allows for the detection of changes in color, such as pallor, cyanosis, or jaundice, that may not be visible on the skin surface. The sclera and mucous membranes are less pigmented than the skin and reflect the underlying blood flow and oxygenation.
A. Hands and feet are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may be affected by peripheral circulation, temperature, or edema, which can alter the color of the skin.
B. Forehead and face are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may have increased pigmentation or variations in tone that can mask changes in color.
C. Finger and toenails are not the best site for the PN to observe because they may be affected by nail polish, fungal infection, or trauma, which can alter the color of the nails.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is Choice C. Soft blanket.
Choice A rationale:
A heating pad should not be applied to the client's legs with a mottled appearance. A mottled appearance indicates poor circulation, and applying heat could potentially worsen the situation by dilating blood vessels and further reducing blood flow to the extremities.
Choice B rationale:
The body lotion is not appropriate in this situation. While it may help moisturize the skin, it will not address the underlying circulation issues causing the mottled appearance. Moreover, applying lotions to areas with compromised circulation can be harmful.
Choice C rationale:
The correct choice. A soft blanket can be applied to the client's legs with a mottled appearance to provide warmth and comfort. It is essential to keep the client comfortable during palliative care, and a soft blanket can help maintain a suitable temperature without causing harm.
Choice D rationale:
Moist clothes are not indicated in this situation. They may potentially worsen the mottled appearance by adding moisture to the skin, and it won't address the circulation issues causing the discoloration.
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