A client comes to the emergency Department with chest pain and the nurse suspects a myocardial infarction. Which questions) should the nurse ask the client about the pain in the initial assessment? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

"How long have you had the pain?"

"Do you have a history of coronary artery disease?"

"How would you describe your pain?"

"What were you doing when the pain began?"

"Can you rate your pain on a 0-10 scale?"

Answer and Explanation

Correct Answer : A,C,D,E

A. "How long have you had the pain?"
Asking about the duration of the pain is crucial in assessing a myocardial infarction (MI). The length of time the pain has been occurring can help the nurse determine if the pain is acute or has been ongoing. For instance, chest pain lasting more than 20 minutes or worsening in intensity could indicate an MI. Knowing the timing of the pain also helps establish whether it may be related to acute coronary syndrome (ACS), which requires immediate intervention.

B. "Do you have a history of coronary artery disease?"
While it’s important to understand the patient’s medical history, this question is more secondary during the initial assessment of a client with chest pain. This information is valuable for understanding the risk of cardiovascular events, but it is not the immediate focus when assessing the current pain. The nurse should prioritize questions that address the current symptoms and the characteristics of the pain first.

C. "How would you describe your pain?"
This question is essential to help differentiate the chest pain associated with a myocardial infarction from other causes, such as musculoskeletal pain or gastrointestinal issues. MI pain is typically described as a crushing, pressure-like, or squeezing sensation. Identifying the quality of the pain helps establish whether it’s consistent with a cardiac event. Understanding the description of the pain also provides information about the intensity and potential for myocardial damage.

D. "What were you doing when the pain began?"
This is an important question because activity-related chest pain can help determine the potential cause of the pain. Pain associated with physical exertion or emotional stress may point to an MI or angina. On the other hand, pain unrelated to activity might suggest other causes such as gastrointestinal issues or musculoskeletal pain. Inquiring about the onset of the pain can also provide insight into whether it is associated with physical strain or acute coronary syndrome.

E. "Can you rate your pain on a 0-10 scale?"
Pain assessment using a numeric pain scale (0-10) helps the nurse gauge the severity of the pain and track changes over time. It’s important for determining whether the pain is severe enough to be consistent with an acute myocardial infarction or if it might resolve on its own. This information is vital in deciding the urgency of interventions and treatment decisions.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is ["89.8"]

Explanation

Step-by-Step Solution:

Convert the client's weight from pounds to kilograms.

1 pound is= 0.453592 kilograms.

220 pounds = 220 x 0.453592 = 99.7664 kilograms.

Calculate the total dose of Alteplase.

The prescribed dose is 0.9 mg/kg.

The client weighs 99.7664 kg.

The total dose = 0.9 mg/kg x 99.7664 kg = 89.8 mg.

Compare the calculated dose with the maximum dose.

The calculated dose (89.8 mg) is less than the maximum dose (90 mg).

Round the answer off to the nearest tenth:

89.9 mg

A. Encourage the daily use of the incentive spirometer B. Assisting the client with ambulation in the hallway C. Increasing the chest tube suction to 44 mmHg D. Assessing for adequate pain relief

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. Encourage the daily use of the incentive spirometer: While the use of an incentive spirometer is important for improving lung expansion and preventing atelectasis, it may not be effective unless the client’s pain is well-managed. If pain is not addressed first, the client may be unable or unwilling to use the incentive spirometer properly, thus delaying recovery and increasing the risk of respiratory complications.

B. Assisting the client with ambulation in the hallway: Ambulation is an important post-operative activity for improving circulation and preventing complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pneumonia. However, the priority at this time should be addressing the client's pain and ensuring adequate breathing before attempting more strenuous activities like ambulation. If the client is in pain and not breathing effectively, ambulation could exacerbate respiratory difficulties..

C. Increasing the chest tube suction to 44 mmHg: Increasing chest tube suction is not indicated unless there is evidence of inadequate drainage or a specific complication, such as a pneumothorax or pleural effusion. In this case, the priority is to address the client’s respiratory function, which is more likely to improve with pain relief, deep breathing, and appropriate positioning. Suctioning should only be adjusted if there is a clinical reason such as signs of a pneumothorax or inadequate drainage, which is not indicated by the information provided.

D. Assessing for adequate pain relief: The most urgent intervention in this scenario is ensuring that the client has adequate pain relief. The client’s shallow respirations and guarding of the operative site suggest that pain is inhibiting effective breathing and deep inspiration, which is crucial for preventing atelectasis and improving ventilation. Pain control is essential in promoting optimal respiratory function, as uncontrolled pain can lead to shallow breathing, reduced lung expansion, and compromised gas exchange, all of which can increase the risk of acute respiratory failure. Once pain is managed, the client will be better able to engage in other respiratory interventions

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A client comes to the emergency Department with chest pain and the nurse suspects a myocardial infarction. Which questions) should the nurse ask the client about the pain in the initial assessment? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A client with an acute stroke must receive Alteplase 0.9 mg/kg (maximum dose 90 mg) over 60 minutes. The client weighs 220 pounds. How many mg should the client receive? (Round to the nearest tenth, do not use trailing zeros)

Correct Answer is ["89.8"]

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

The nurse would check for leaks in the chest tube and water seal system when:

Which method would the nurse utilize to best facilitate communication when caring for a client with end stage amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)?

A nurse is providing discharge teaching to a client who will be taking levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson's disease. Which of the following statements by the client indicates a need for further teaching?

What is the first action the nurse should take with the accidental dislodgement of a chest tube?

The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who requires mechanical ventilation. A client problem of decreased cardiac output from the positive pressure ventilator has been identified. What should the nurse include in the plan of care? Assess:

The client tells the nurse, "My physician told me that I had a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI). " I thought all heart attacks were the same. Can you explain this to me?" The nurse's best response to the client's question would be: "NSTEMI is

The nurse is evaluating the effectiveness of teaching the proper use of a metered dose inhaler (MDI) with a spacer. The nurse understands the aching has been effective when the client demonstrates which technique?