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.

Answer and Explanation

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.

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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.

A. Serum potassium level is 3.0 mEq/L. B. The current blood pressure reading is 168/94 mm Hg. C. Blood glucose level is at 175 mg/dL. D. There’s an orthostatic systolic BP decrease of 12 mm Hg.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

Furosemide (Lasix) is a diuretic medication used to treat hypertension and edema. One of the side effects of furosemide is hypokalemia, or low potassium levels. A serum potassium level of 3.0 mEq/L is lower than the normal range (3.5 to 5.0 mEq/L), which can lead to serious complications such as cardiac arrhythmias.

Therefore, this observation is crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider.

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While admitting a patient with pericarditis, what manifestations of this disorder should the nurse assess for?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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

In the context of a patient undergoing IV furosemide (Lasix) treatment for hypertension, which observation is most crucial to communicate to the healthcare provider?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

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