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: A public health nurse is a nurse who works to promote and protect the health of populations and communities, not specific workplaces.
Choice B reason: A community nurse specialist is a nurse who has advanced education and training in a specific area of community health, such as mental health, gerontology, or maternal-child healtH.
Choice C reason: A nurse clinician is a nurse who has expertise in a clinical area of nursing practice, such as critical care, oncology, or wound carE.
Choice D reason: An occupational health nurse is a nurse who works to prevent and treat work-related injuries and illnesses, as well as promote the health and safety of workers and the environment.
Correct Answer is ["B","C"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: "I may experience urinary incontinencE." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching because it is truE. Urinary incontinence is a common symptom of MS due to nerve damage affecting the bladder control.
Choice B reason: "I should not exercise because this may trigger an exacerbation." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching because it is falsE. Exercise is beneficial for people with MS as it can improve strength, balance, mobility, fatigue, mood, and quality of lifE. Exercise does not cause or worsen MS relapses.
Choice C reason: "I should alternate the eye patch every other day to help with the double vision." This statement indicates the need for additional teaching because it is not recommendeD. Eye patching is not an effective treatment for double vision caused by MS, as it can impair depth perception, increase eye fatigue, and delay recovery. Eye patching should only be used temporarily and under medical supervision.
Choice D reason: "I may experience visual disturbances." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching because it is truE. Visual disturbances are common in MS due to inflammation or damage of the optic nerve or other parts of the visual pathway. Visual disturbances can include blurred vision, reduced color vision, pain in the eye, and loss of vision.
Choice E reason: "I need to check the water temperature before I take a batH." This statement does not indicate the need for additional teaching because it is truE. People with MS may have impaired sensation and temperature regulation, which can increase the risk of burns or hypothermia when exposed to hot or cold water. Checking the water temperature before bathing can prevent injury and discomfort.
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