When caring for a client who has developed cardiac tamponade, what assessments should the nurse expect to find?

Pleural friction rub.

Distended neck veins.

Widening pulse pressure.

Bradycardia.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Choice A rationale
A pleural friction rub, which is a grating sound caused by the inflammation of the pleural surfaces during respiration, is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. It is more commonly associated with conditions affecting the lungs, such as pneumonia or pleurisy.
Choice B rationale
Distended neck veins are a classic sign of cardiac tamponade. This occurs due to increased pressure in the right atrium as a result of the impaired filling of the ventricles. This is a critical sign that should be reported immediately.
Choice C rationale
Widening pulse pressure (an increase in the difference between systolic and diastolic blood pressure) is not typically associated with cardiac tamponade. In fact, cardiac tamponade more commonly presents with a narrowed pulse pressure.
Choice D rationale
Bradycardia, or a slow heart rate, is not typically a sign of cardiac tamponade. More commonly, tachycardia, or a fast heart rate, is observed in response to decreased cardiac output.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
Adenosine (Adenocard) is a medication that can be used to treat supraventricular tachycardia, a type of abnormal heart rhythm. However, it is not typically used for atrial fibrillation.
Choice B rationale
Emergency cardioversion, where an electric shock is used to restore the heart’s normal rhythm, can be used in some cases of atrial fibrillation. However, if the atrial fibrillation has been present for more than 48 hours, there is a risk of blood clots, and anticoagulation for several weeks before the procedure may be needed.
Choice C rationale
Anticoagulant therapy is often used in patients with atrial fibrillation to reduce the risk of stroke. Atrial fibrillation can lead to blood pooling in the atria, increasing the risk of clot formation. These clots can then travel to the brain, causing a stroke.
Choice D rationale
Permanent pacemakers are sometimes used in atrial fibrillation to help regulate the heart’s rhythm. However, they are typically used when other treatments have failed or are contraindicated.

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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When caring for a client who has developed cardiac tamponade, what assessments should the nurse expect to find?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A patient with dilated cardiomyopathy has recently developed atrial fibrillation that has been unresponsive to drug therapy for several days. What topic should the nurse plan to include in patient teaching?

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

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