A client in sinus bradycardia, with a heart rate of 45 beats per minute and blood pressure of 82/60 mm Hg, reports dizziness. Which intervention should the nurse anticipate will be prescribed?

A. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) refers to the thickening of the walls of the left ventricle, which often results from chronic high blood pressure or other conditions that increase the workload on the heart. While LVH is an important cardiac issue, it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.
B. Increased cardiac output (the volume of blood the heart pumps per minute) is generally not a direct complication of pericarditis. In fact, pericarditis often affects cardiac output in a different way.
C. Cardiac tamponade is a serious and potentially life-threatening complication of pericarditis. It occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, exerting pressure on the heart and impeding its ability to fill and pump effectively. This condition can lead to reduced cardiac output, hypotension, and symptoms of shock.
D. Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a common condition that can contribute to a range of cardiovascular issues, but it is not a direct complication of pericarditis.

A. Monitoring the client’s back pain is important to assess the severity and progression of symptoms, especially since AAA can be associated with back pain. However, this intervention alone is not sufficient given the severity of the symptoms and the critical nature of the condition.
B. Analyzing the complete blood count (CBC) results is important, especially in the context of potential bleeding or internal hemorrhage. The patient's hemoglobin is slightly low (11 g/dL compared to the normal range of 14 to 18 g/dL), which could indicate bleeding or anemia.
C. Given the presence of a 4 cm AAA and symptoms that could indicate a worsening condition, preparing the client for emergency surgery may be necessary, especially if there is concern about rupture or if the aneurysm is symptomatic. Surgery is often required for larger or symptomatic AAAs to prevent rupture and manage the risk.
D. If the client shows signs of significant bleeding or if further testing indicates a need for blood replacement, obtaining packed cells for transfusion would be an appropriate intervention. The low hemoglobin level suggests that monitoring for possible need for transfusion is important, especially if there is internal bleeding or if the client’s condition deteriorates.
E. Administering antihypertensive medication is important in managing hypertension, which can contribute to the risk of aneurysm rupture. The patient’s elevated heart rate and blood pressure readings are concerning, and controlling blood pressure can help reduce stress on the aneurysm. Metoprolol, a beta-blocker, has been prescribed, which is appropriate for managing hypertension and reducing the risk of complications.
F. Insertion of an arterial line may be necessary for continuous monitoring of blood pressure, especially in critical situations or if surgery is imminent. It allows for precise measurement of blood pressure and frequent blood sampling.
G. While smoking cessation is important for long-term cardiovascular health and managing risk factors associated with aneurysms, it is less urgent in the immediate setting of acute care. Education on smoking cessation should be part of discharge planning and long-term management.
H. Educating the patient about the signs of an increasing aneurysm, such as worsening pain, changes in vital signs, or signs of rupture (e.g., severe abdominal or back pain, hypotension), is important for long- term management. However, in the acute phase, immediate interventions and monitoring are prioritized.