Which statement, made by the client with coronary artery disease, alerts the nurse that the client may be experiencing difficulty adapting to the illness?
"I feel a little anxious when I get chest discomfort."
"I know that I should carry my medication with me in case I develop chest pain."
"My wife and I will learn to cook using the 'good' cooking oils."
"I usually wait about two hours after I feel chest discomfort to seek medical attention."
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A reason: This is not an alarming statement. Feeling a little anxious when experiencing chest discomfort is a normal and understandable reaction. Chest discomfort can be a sign of angina, which is a condition where the heart muscle does not get enough oxygen due to reduced blood flow. Angina can cause pain, pressure, or tightness in the chest, and can be triggered by physical or emotional stress. The client should try to relax and take their medication as prescribed to relieve the discomfort.
Choice B reason: This is not an alarming statement. Knowing that they should carry their medication with them in case they develop chest pain is a sign of good self-care and awareness. The client should have a quick-relief medication, such as nitroglycerin, that can dilate the coronary arteries and improve the blood flow to the heart. The client should take the medication as soon as they feel chest pain and follow the instructions on how to use it.
Choice C reason: This is not an alarming statement. Learning to cook using the "good" cooking oils is a sign of positive lifestyle change and adaptation. The client should avoid or limit the intake of saturated and trans fats, which can raise the level of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. LDL cholesterol is also known as the "bad" cholesterol because it can deposit on the walls of the arteries and cause atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries. The client should use unsaturated fats, such as olive oil, canola oil, or sunflower oil, which can lower the LDL cholesterol and increase the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is also known as the "good" cholesterol because it can remove the excess cholesterol from the arteries and transport it to the liver.
Choice D reason: This is the alarming statement. Waiting about two hours after feeling chest discomfort to seek medical attention is a sign of denial and delay. Chest discomfort can be a symptom of a heart attack, which is a life-threatening emergency where the blood flow to the heart is blocked and the heart muscle begins to die. The client should seek immediate medical attention if they experience chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, or if it is accompanied by other signs, such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, or arm or jaw pain. The sooner the client receives treatment, the better the chance of survival and recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
hoice A reason: Preparing for endotracheal intubation and ventilatory support is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with respiratory failure or impending airway obstruction, which are not the case for this client.
Choice B reason: Providing continuous sedation for pain relief is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention may worsen the client's condition by suppressing the respiratory drive and lowering the blood pressure. The nurse should administer antithyroid medications, beta blockers, and corticosteroids as prescribed to reduce the thyroid hormone levels and the associated symptoms.
Choice C reason: Initiating cardiac monitoring and assessing for reflex bradycardia is not the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with hyperkalemia or digoxin toxicity, which are not the case for this client. The nurse should monitor the client's heart rate and rhythm, but not expect a reflex bradycardia, which is a paradoxical slowing of the heart rate in response to a rapid rise in blood pressure.
Choice D reason: Maintaining IV fluid infusion and assessing adequacy of hydration is the action that the nurse should take for a client with thyroid storm. This intervention is indicated for clients with thyroid storm, as they are at risk of dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to increased metabolic rate, fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea. The nurse should administer isotonic fluids, such as normal saline, and monitor the client's fluid intake and output, urine specific gravity, and serum electrolytes.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A reason: Decreased hair is most likely a hereditary condition and nail changes are related to fungus is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is not based on evidence and does not explain the relationship between peripheral vascular disease and the observed changes in the legs and feet.
Choice B reason: A blood clot may be forming and the client needs immediate intervention is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is an alarmist and inaccurate interpretation of the finding. A blood clot would cause more acute and severe symptoms, such as pain, swelling, redness, and warmth in the affected area.
Choice C reason: Decreased oxygen to the tissues causes changes in hair growth and nail texture is the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is based on the pathophysiology of peripheral vascular disease, which is a chronic condition that reduces the blood flow to the extremities due to atherosclerosis or inflammation of the blood vessels. The reduced blood flow leads to tissue ischemia and necrosis, which can manifest as hair loss, thickening and yellowing of the nails, skin ulcers, and gangrene.
Choice D reason: Depending on the client's age, the findings may be normal is not the statement that describes the cause of this finding. This statement is a vague and dismissive response that does not address the underlying problem of peripheral vascular disease. The findings are not normal for any age group and require further assessment and intervention.
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