Which diagnostic test will be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure?
Serum troponin
Arterial blood gasses
12-lead electrocardiogram
B-type natriuretic peptide
The Correct Answer is D
B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a diagnostic blood test that can be most useful to the nurse in determining whether a client admitted with acute shortness of breath has heart failure.
BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume in the heart, especially in cases of heart failure. When the heart is under stress, such as in heart failure, it releases BNP into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of BNP are strongly indicative of heart failure, and the test is particularly helpful in differentiating heart failure from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms, such as pulmonary disorders.
When a patient presents with acute shortness of breath, the BNP test can provide valuable information to help guide the diagnosis and treatment. If the BNP level is elevated, it suggests that heart failure is likely the cause of the symptoms, and appropriate interventions can be initiated promptly.
While other diagnostic tests like serum troponin (A) are important for assessing heart damage in conditions like myocardial infarction (heart attack), they may not be as specific for heart failure.
Arterial blood gases (B) are helpful in evaluating gas exchange and acid-base balance, especially in patients with respiratory distress, but they are not specific for diagnosing heart failure.
A 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) (C) can provide valuable information about the heart's electrical activity and any signs of acute myocardial infarction or other cardiac abnormalities, but it is not the primary test for diagnosing heart failure. An ECG can support the diagnosis if specific changes suggestive of heart failure are present, but the BNP test provides more direct evidence for heart failure diagnosis.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
The patient is apneic (not breathing) and has no palpable pulses, indicating a cardiac arrest or severe cardiovascular compromise. In this situation, the most appropriate action for the nurse to take next is to start cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) immediately.
CPR is a life-saving procedure that combines chest compressions and rescue breaths to circulate oxygenated blood to vital organs when the heart is not effectively pumping. In the case of cardiac arrest, early initiation of CPR is critical to improve the chances of survival and minimize potential brain damage.
The heart monitor shows sinus tachycardia, rate 132, which suggests that the electrical impulses are reaching the heart, but the heart is not effectively pumping blood due to the lack of a palpable pulse. This condition requires immediate intervention with CPR rather than other treatments such as synchronized cardioversion (option A) or administering atropine (option D).
While applying supplemental oxygen via a non-rebreather mask (option C) is generally important in many emergency situations, it is not the immediate priority when a patient is apneic and has no palpable pulses. In such cases, CPR takes precedence to restore circulation and maintain oxygen delivery to the body's vital organs.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
This statement indicates effective learning because serum cardiac markers are indeed proteins that are released from necrotic (damaged) heart muscle cells when there is myocardial injury, such as in acute coronary syndrome (ACS). These markers are measured in blood tests and help in the diagnosis and assessment of ACS, particularly myocardial infarction (heart attack).
Option A is incorrect because a nitroprusside stress echocardiogram is not used for acute pericarditis. It is a diagnostic test used for evaluating coronary artery disease and ischemia.
Option B is incorrect because a pathologic Q wave is not always present in the electrocardiogram (ECG) of patients with unstable angina. It is a characteristic finding in the ECG of patients with a previous myocardial infarction (heart attack) but may not be present in unstable angina.
Option D is incorrect because coronary angiography is not the only way to confirm the diagnosis of unstable angina. Unstable angina is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical presentation, symptoms, and changes in the ECG. Coronary angiography is an invasive procedure used to visualize the coronary arteries directly and is typically reserved for cases where further assessment and intervention are needed, such as in cases of suspected coronary artery disease.
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