While admitting a patient with pericarditis, what manifestations of this disorder should the nurse assess for?
Prolonged PR intervals.
Clubbing of the fingers.
Widened pulse pressure.
Pulsus paradoxus.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Prolonged PR intervals occur with first-degree AV block, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice B rationale
Clubbing of the fingers is a loss of the normal angle between the base of the nail and the skin. This finding can be found in endocarditis, congenital defects, and/or prolonged oxygen deficiency. It is not a typical manifestation of pericarditis.
Choice C rationale
Widened pulse pressure occurs with valvular heart disease, not typically with pericarditis.
Choice D rationale
Pulsus paradoxus is a sign of cardiac tamponade, a serious complication of pericarditis. As the compression of the heart increases, decreased left atrial filling decreases cardiac output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Sinus tachycardia at a rate of 110 beats/min is a normal response to exercise. During a stress test, the heart rate will naturally increase as the body’s demand for oxygen increases. A heart rate of 110 beats/min is within the expected range during moderate exercise.
Choice B rationale
An increase in blood pressure from 134/68 to 150/80 mm Hg is a normal response to exercise. During a stress test, blood pressure will naturally rise as the heart works harder to pump blood to the muscles. This increase is within the expected range during moderate exercise.
Choice C rationale
Feeling tired during a stress test on a treadmill is a normal response to exercise. Fatigue can occur as the body’s energy stores are used up during physical activity. However, if the patient reports extreme fatigue or other symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, it may indicate a problem.
Choice D rationale
Inversion of T waves on the electrocardiogram during a stress test is a sign of myocardial ischemia, a condition in which the heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen. This could indicate the presence of significant coronary artery disease and is a finding that would necessitate immediate action.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the lungs to the pulmonary artery, which is not accurate. The pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
Choice B rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the pulmonary vein to the lungs, which is not accurate. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart.
Choice C rationale
This sequence correctly describes the direction of blood flow through the heart and lungs. Deoxygenated blood enters the right atrium, goes to the right ventricle, then is sent to the lungs via the pulmonary artery. After picking up oxygen in the lungs, the blood returns to the heart via the pulmonary vein, entering the left atrium, then the left ventricle, from where it is pumped out to the rest of the body.
Choice D rationale
This sequence is incorrect because it suggests that blood goes from the pulmonary vein to the pulmonary artery, which is not accurate. The pulmonary vein carries oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart, and the pulmonary artery carries deoxygenated blood from the heart to the lungs.
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