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
Chest pain
Bilateral lung sounds
Mood and affect
The Correct Answer is C
c) Bilateral lung sounds.
Explanation:
When admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure, the practical nurse (PN) should prioritize assessing the client's bilateral lung sounds. Left-sided heart failure can result in the accumulation of fluid in the lungs, leading to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. By auscultating the client's lung sounds, the PN can assess for the presence of crackles, wheezes, or diminished breath sounds, which are indicative of pulmonary congestion and fluid accumulation. This assessment helps to identify the severity of the client's condition and guides further interventions and treatment.
While assessing heart sounds (option a) is important in evaluating cardiac function, assessing lung sounds takes priority as pulmonary congestion is a common manifestation of left-sided heart failure. Chest pain (option b) is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, but in this scenario, the focus is on assessing for signs of pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing the client's mood and affect (option d) is important for a comprehensive assessment, but it is not the priority when the client is admited with complications of left-sided heart failure.
The other options are considered incorrect because they are not the priority assessments when admitting a client with complications of left-sided heart failure.
Option a) Heart sounds: While assessing heart sounds is important in evaluating cardiac function, the priority in this scenario is to assess for pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. Assessing bilateral lung sounds allows the practical nurse to gather immediate information about the client's respiratory status and the presence of fluid in the lungs.
Option b) Chest pain: Chest pain is a significant symptom that should be assessed promptly, as it could indicate various cardiac or respiratory conditions. However, in this specific scenario, the priority is to assess for signs of pulmonary congestion, which can have a more immediate impact on the client's respiratory function.
Option d) Mood and affect: Assessing the client's mood and affect is important for a comprehensive assessment of their emotional well-being. However, when admitting a client with complications of left- sided heart failure, the priority is to assess their physical condition, particularly the respiratory status, to address any immediate concerns related to pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange.
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Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Administering corticosteroids is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a medication that reduces inflammation and relieves acute exacerbations of multiple sclerosis, but does not affect the client's physical function or mobility.
Choice B reason: Turning and repositioning every 2 hours is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a nursing intervention that prevents pressure ulcers and promotes skin integrity, but does not enhance the client's circulation or muscle activity.
Choice C reason: Administering interferon is not an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a medication that modifies the immune system and delays the progression of multiple sclerosis, but does not improve the client's physical function or mobility.
Choice D reason: Encouraging range-of-motion exercises is an action that the nurse implements to increase venous return, prevent stiffness, and maintain muscle strength and endurance because it is a physical activity that improves the client's blood flow, flexibility, and muscle tone, as well as prevents contractures and spasticity.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Providing total assistance with all ADLs is not an appropriate intervention for the client because it can decrease the client's independence and self-esteem, and increase the risk of complications such as pressure ulcers, contractures, and infections. The client should be encouraged to perform as much self-care as possible, with assistance as needeD.
Choice B reason: Ordering a low-residue diet is not an appropriate intervention for the client because it can cause constipation, which can worsen the client's bowel function and quality of lifE. The client should consume a balanced diet that includes adequate fiber, fluids, and nutrients.
Choice C reason: Encouraging the client to void every hour is not an appropriate intervention for the client because it can disrupt the client's normal bladder function and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. The client should follow a regular bladder training program that involves voiding at scheduled intervals, using pelvic floor exercises, and managing fluid intakE.
Choice D reason: Instructing the client on daily muscle stretching is an appropriate intervention for the client because it can improve the client's mobility, flexibility, and range of motion, as well as prevent muscle spasticity, stiffness, and pain. The client should perform gentle stretching exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist or nursE.
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