While assessing an older adult client, the nurse notes jugular venous distention (JVD) with the head of the client's bed elevated 45 degrees. What does this finding indicate?

Jugular vein atherosclerosis

Increased fluid volume

Decreased fluid volume

Incompetent jugular vein valves

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

Jugular venous distention (JVD) is a clinical sign that indicates increased fluid volume or fluid overload in the cardiovascular system. When the head of the client's bed is elevated at 45 degrees, the jugular veins should normally be flat or slightly distended. However, if the jugular veins appear engorged and bulging, it suggests that there is an increased amount of blood returning to the right side of the heart and is unable to be efficiently pumped forward, leading to jugular venous distention.

JVD is commonly seen in conditions such as heart failure, where the heart's ability to pump blood efficiently is compromised, leading to fluid accumulation in the veins and eventually causing jugular venous distention.

Option A, jugular vein atherosclerosis, is not a common cause of JVD. Atherosclerosis refers to the build-up of plaque within arteries, not veins.

Option C, decreased fluid volume, would lead to dehydration and decreased venous filling, which would not cause jugular venous distention. It would lead to flat or sunken jugular veins.

Option D, incompetent jugular vein valves, would not cause jugular venous distention with the head of the bed elevated. Incompetent valves may lead to venous reflux or backward flow of blood, but it would not lead to the distention of the jugular veins in this position.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The statement "I will call the clinic if my weight goes up 3 pounds in a week" indicates that the teaching about heart failure was effective. Monitoring weight is an essential self-care measure for patients with heart failure to manage fluid retention effectively. A sudden weight gain of 2-3 pounds in a week can indicate fluid retention and worsening heart failure. It is crucial for the patient to report such weight changes promptly to the healthcare provider or clinic to adjust medication doses or treatment plans as needed.

The other statements are incorrect:

A) "I will use the nitroglycerin patch whenever I have chest pain." Nitroglycerin is not typically used to manage heart failure. It is used for angina, which is chest pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle due to narrowed coronary arteries.

B) "I will take furosemide (Lasix) every day just before bedtime." While furosemide is a diuretic commonly prescribed for heart failure to reduce fluid retention, it is not usually taken just before bedtime. Taking furosemide in the evening may lead to frequent nighttime urination and disrupt sleep.

D) "I will use an additional pillow if I am short of breath at night." Using an extra pillow may provide temporary relief for positional dyspnea (shortness of breath when lying flat) but is not an appropriate long-term strategy for managing heart failure. Elevated pillows may not effectively improve breathing and can lead to neck strain. Instead, patients with heart failure should be encouraged to sleep with their head slightly elevated on a regular basis, using a wedge pillow or adjustable bed if needed. Managing fluid retention and adhering to prescribed medications are essential for improving heart failure symptoms and preventing complications.

A. Dysrhythmias B. Anxiety and fear C. Metabolic acidosis D. Medication side effects

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), the highest priority for monitoring the patient is for dysrhythmias. After an MI, the heart's electrical system can be disrupted, leading to various types of abnormal heart rhythms (dysrhythmias). Dysrhythmias can be life-threatening and require prompt recognition and intervention.

Other options:

B) Anxiety and fear: Anxiety and fear are common emotional responses after an MI, but they are not the highest priority for monitoring during the immediate post-MI period. Emotional support and counseling are essential, but they do not require continuous monitoring.

C) Metabolic acidosis: Metabolic acidosis is not a common complication of an acute MI. It may occur in certain situations, such as when there is inadequate perfusion to tissues, but it is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period.

D) Medication side effects: Monitoring for medication side effects is important but is not the highest priority during the immediate post-MI period. Many patients will receive medications to manage pain, reduce clot formation, and stabilize their heart function. The nurse should monitor for side effects but not as a higher priority compared to dysrhythmias.

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While assessing an older adult client, the nurse notes jugular venous distention (JVD) with the head of the client's bed elevated 45 degrees. What does this finding indicate?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Which statement by a client with newly diagnosed heart failure indicates to the nurse that teaching was effective?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

During the 48 hours after a myocardial infarction (MI), a nurse should assign the highest priority to monitoring the patient for what complication?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

The nurse is reviewing the laboratory test results for a client who has recently been diagnosed with hypertension. Which result is most important to communicate to the health care provider?

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The nurse on the intermediate care unit received a change-of-shift report on four patients with hypertension. Which patient should the nurse assess first?

After the nurse gives IV atropine to a patient with symptomatic type 1. second-degree atrioventricular (AV) block, which finding indicates that the drug has been effective?

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After receiving change-of-shift report on a heart failure unit, which client should the nurse assess first?