A client comes into the emergency room with complaints of persistent, crushing chest pain. Along with the chief complaint, what other symptoms would make the nurse suspect that the client is experiencing a myocardial infarction (MI)?
Intermittent claudication with pallor
Jugular vein distention and dependent edema
Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn
Diaphoresis and cool clammy skin
The Correct Answer is D
A. Intermittent claudication with pallor is typically associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD) rather than myocardial infarction.
B. Jugular vein distention and dependent edema are signs of right-sided heart failure, which may develop after an MI but are not classic acute MI symptoms.
C. Mid-epigastric pain and heartburn can sometimes be confused with MI symptoms, but heartburn alone is not diagnostic of an MI.
D. Diaphoresis and cool clammy skin are correct. These symptoms occur due to sympathetic nervous system activation in response to cardiac ischemia, leading to vasoconstriction, sweating, and signs of impending shock.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. A pulmonary function test is used to assess lung diseases like COPD or asthma. It is not the primary diagnostic test for fluid overload and heart failure.
B. Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is associated with early-onset COPD, but it does not relate to symptoms of fluid retention and heart failure as described in the question.
C. Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) is correct. BNP is released when the ventricles stretch due to fluid overload, making it a key diagnostic marker for heart failure. Elevated BNP levels indicate increased cardiac filling pressures and volume overload, which match the client’s symptoms.
D. A Doppler ultrasound is useful for detecting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or vascular issues, but it does not assess systemic fluid retention and heart failure.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Use of accessory muscles during inspiration is common in COPD as clients work harder to breathe. While this indicates respiratory distress, it is not necessarily an immediate emergency.
B. Large amounts of thick white sputum can indicate mucus production, which is common in COPD. If the sputum were yellow or green, it could suggest infection, requiring further assessment.
C. A barrel chest and clubbing are chronic changes in COPD due to prolonged air trapping and hypoxia. These findings do not require immediate intervention.
D. Oxygen flowmeter set on 8 LPM is correct. High-flow oxygen can suppress the hypoxic drive in COPD clients, leading to respiratory depression. The nurse should immediately lower the oxygen to a safer level (typically 1-3 LPM) and monitor the client’s respiratory status.
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