A client who has chronic heart failure tells the nurse, "I was fine when I went to bed, but I woke up in the middle of the night feeling like I was suffocating!" The nurse will document this assessment finding as
Orthopnea
paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea
pulsus alternans
acute bilateral pleural effusion
The Correct Answer is B
A. Orthopnea: Orthopnea is difficulty breathing when lying flat, but the client's description of waking up suddenly points to paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea.
B. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea: This is the correct answer. Paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea occurs when a client with heart failure wakes up at night feeling suffocated due to fluid redistribution and pulmonary congestion.
C. Pulsus alternans: Pulsus alternans refers to alternating strong and weak heartbeats and is not related to the client's description of nocturnal dyspnea.
D. Acute bilateral pleural effusion: While pleural effusion can cause respiratory symptoms, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea is more specific to heart failure.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. A blood pressure of 90/50 mm Hg is concerning, but it is less urgent than severe respiratory depression. The nurse should still assess this client promptly.
B. A temperature of 96° F (35.6° C) is mildly low and should be addressed, but it is not as critical as a severely low respiratory rate.
C. A pulse of 118 beats/min is elevated and may require monitoring, but it does not pose as immediate a threat as respiratory depression.
D. A respiratory rate of 6 breaths/min is critically low, which may indicate respiratory depression, particularly after anesthesia. Immediate assessment and intervention are needed to ensure adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Heparin is an anticoagulant and does not typically cause bronchospasm or wheezing.
B. Morphine can cause respiratory depression but not bronchospasm.
C. Propranolol, a non-selective beta-blocker, can cause bronchospasm, particularly in clients with asthma.
D. Nitroglycerin primarily causes vasodilation and does not typically lead to bronchospasm or wheezing.
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