Which of these interventions should be the highest priority when caring for a patient with suspected abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture?
Obtaining a STAT electrocardiogram
Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter
Increasing cardiac contractility
Maintaining blood pressure
The Correct Answer is D
A. Obtaining a STAT electrocardiogram: While obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) can be important in evaluating a patient's cardiac status, it is not the highest priority in the context of suspected AAA rupture. Immediate management focuses on stabilizing the patient and addressing potential hemorrhagic shock.
B. Inserting an indwelling urinary catheter: Inserting a urinary catheter may be necessary for monitoring urine output, but it is not the immediate priority when managing a suspected AAA rupture. The focus should be on life-threatening conditions first.
C. Increasing cardiac contractility: Increasing cardiac contractility may be relevant in some clinical situations, but it does not directly address the urgent need to maintain hemodynamic stability and prevent shock in a patient with suspected AAA rupture.
D. Maintaining blood pressure: Maintaining blood pressure is the highest priority intervention in this scenario. Patients with a suspected AAA rupture are at high risk for hypovolemic shock due to internal bleeding. Ensuring adequate blood pressure is critical to perfusing vital organs and stabilizing the patient before surgical intervention.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Norepinephrine causes bronchial smooth muscle contraction and mucus secretion but it also causes high blood pressure: This statement is misleading in the context of asthma. Norepinephrine primarily acts on alpha and beta receptors, influencing blood pressure and bronchodilation but is not the main mediator in asthma pathophysiology. The focus should be on inflammation and airway responsiveness.
B. Uncontrolled inflammation leads to increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness and eventual scarring: This statement accurately describes the pathophysiologic process in asthma. Persistent inflammation in asthma can cause increased bronchial hyperresponsiveness, leading to airway narrowing and potential long-term remodeling and scarring of the airways if not controlled. Effective management is essential to prevent these adverse outcomes.
C. Immunoglobulin G causes smooth muscle contraction which will eventually weaken the respiratory muscles: Immunoglobulin E (IgE) is primarily involved in allergic reactions and asthma, and it does not directly cause smooth muscle contraction that weakens respiratory muscles.
D. The release of epinephrine leads to development of cardiac dysrhythmias: While epinephrine can have cardiovascular effects, including increased heart rate and potential for dysrhythmias, this is not directly relevant to the pathophysiology of asthma. The focus in asthma management is on controlling airway inflammation and bronchoconstriction rather than on cardiac issues.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Atherosclerotic lesion: An atherosclerotic lesion can lead to reduced blood flow to the myocardium, but it is not the direct trigger for angina pectoris. Rather, it is a contributing factor to the development of conditions that cause angina.
B. Myocardial necrosis: Myocardial necrosis refers to irreversible cell damage due to prolonged ischemia, such as in a myocardial infarction. This is not a trigger for angina pectoris but rather a consequence of severe and prolonged ischemia.
C. Myocardial ischemia: Myocardial ischemia is the primary trigger for angina pectoris. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the oxygen supply and demand in the heart muscle, typically due to narrowed coronary arteries. This insufficient blood flow results in chest pain or discomfort characteristic of angina.
D. Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for atherosclerosis and subsequent coronary artery disease but does not directly trigger angina pectoris. It contributes to the underlying processes that lead to myocardial ischemia.
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