What is the most important nursing action in caring for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever?

Educate the patient on the necessity of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.

Inform the patient about the importance of ongoing anticoagulation.

Instruct the patient on the need to adhere to standard infection control procedures.

Guide the patient on how to manage their physical activity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Education on the necessity of continuous antibiotic prophylaxis is crucial for patients who have just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop as a complication of untreated or inadequately treated strep throat or scarlet fever.
Patients who have had rheumatic fever are at risk of getting it again if they have another strep infection. Continuous antibiotic prophylaxis can prevent recurrent infections and the development of rheumatic heart disease.
Choice B rationale
While anticoagulation therapy may be necessary for some patients with heart conditions, it is not typically the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can cause inflammation and damage to the heart valves, but it does not typically cause blood clots, which are the primary reason for anticoagulation therapy.
Choice C rationale
Adherence to standard infection control procedures is important for all patients, but it is not the most important nursing action for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.
Choice D rationale
While physical activity management may be part of the overall care plan for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever, it is not typically the most important nursing action. The primary concern for these patients is preventing recurrent strep infections, which can be achieved through continuous antibiotic prophylaxis.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
A Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD) is a hole in the wall separating the two lower chambers of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice B rationale
An Atrioventricular Canal (AVC) defect is a combination of heart problems resulting in a defect in the center of the heart. While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.
Choice C rationale
Tetralogy of Fallot is a congenital heart condition characterized by four anatomical abnormalities of the heart. It is the most common cyanotic heart defect and the most common cause of blue baby syndrome. Cyanosis, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the blood, is often seen during periods of activity, such as feeding or crying.
Choice D rationale
An Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is a hole in the wall between the two upper chambers of your heart (atria). While it can cause cyanosis, it’s typically not associated with cyanosis during crying or feeding.

A. It increases the contractile force of the heart. B. It reduces heart palpitations. C. It decreases coronary artery spasms. D. It prevents the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Diltiazem does not increase the contractile force of the heart. In fact, it is classified as a negative inotrope, meaning it decreases the force of heart contractions.
Choice B rationale
While diltiazem can affect heart rhythm, it does not specifically reduce heart palpitations. Its primary effect is to slow the heart rate and relax the blood vessels.
Choice C rationale
Diltiazem is a calcium channel blocker used to manage cardiovascular conditions such as hypertension, chronic stable angina, atrial fibrillation, and Prinzmetal’s angina. It works by inhibiting the calcium influx into cardiac and vascular smooth muscle during depolarization. This results in vasodilation, or the widening of blood vessels, which can help decrease coronary artery spasms, a characteristic feature of Prinzmetal’s angina.
Choice D rationale
Diltiazem does not prevent the formation of plaque in the coronary arteries. It primarily acts to relax the blood vessels and slow the heart rate.

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What is the most important nursing action in caring for a patient who has just recovered from rheumatic fever?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A newborn frequently experiences cyanosis, typically during crying or after feeding. Which cardiac diagnosis is supported by this history?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Diltiazem (Cardizem) has been prescribed for a patient newly diagnosed with Prinzmetal’s (variant) angina. What accurate action of diltiazem should the nurse include in the teaching plan?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing care for a patient with the following tracing on the electrocardiogram (ECG) for atrial fibrillation. What prescription should the nurse anticipate from the primary healthcare provider (PHCP)?

Which of the following findings in a patient with Raynaud’s disease would indicate a need for further teaching?

A nurse is caring for a client on a cardiac monitor. The patient’s heart monitor shows a pattern of undulations of varying contours and amplitude with no measurable ECG pattern. What is the first action the nurse should take?

A newborn frequently experiences cyanosis, typically during crying or after feeding. Which cardiac diagnosis is supported by this history?

A 75-year-old male experiences severe chest pain and calls 911. Given that lab findings indicate elevated levels of cardiac troponins I and T, what condition does the nurse suspect?

A patient with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) has recently undergone Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty (PTA) of the lower extremity. Which assessment is crucial for the nurse to perform post-procedure?

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a patient who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?