A client who underwent cardiac stent placement four days ago arrives to the emergency department reporting a sudden onset of chest pressure and shortness of breath. Which action should the nurse take next?
Evaluate upper and lower extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema.
Listen for extra heart sounds, murmurs, and rhythm with the bell of the stethoscope.
Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram and begin continuous cardiac monitoring.
Verify troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3-6 hours for a series of three
The Correct Answer is C
A. Evaluate upper and lower extremities for perfusion, pulse volume, and pitting edema:
This option focuses on assessing perfusion and circulation in the extremities. While it's important in certain situations, in the context of a client who recently underwent cardiac stent placement and is now experiencing chest pressure and shortness of breath, the priority is to assess the cardiac status more directly.
B. Listen for extra heart sounds, murmurs, and rhythm with the bell of the stethoscope:
This option involves auscultating the heart for abnormal sounds or rhythms. While it's a valuable assessment in general, in this particular scenario, obtaining an electrocardiogram (ECG) and initiating continuous cardiac monitoring would provide a more comprehensive and immediate evaluation of the cardiac status.
C. Obtain a 12-lead electrocardiogram and begin continuous cardiac monitoring:
This is the correct choice. Obtaining a 12-lead ECG and initiating continuous cardiac monitoring is crucial in assessing the client's cardiac function. It allows for the detection of any acute changes in the heart's electrical activity or rhythm, which is essential for timely intervention and management.
D. Verify troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3-6 hours for a series of three:
Monitoring troponin levels is important in assessing cardiac damage, but in this acute situation, obtaining an immediate ECG and initiating continuous cardiac monitoring take precedence for a more real-time evaluation of the client's cardiac status. Troponin levels may be monitored subsequently based on the initial findings.
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Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Elevate extremities on pillows:
While elevation can be beneficial for reducing dependent edema, the priority is to assess the pulses first to determine the adequacy of peripheral perfusion.
B. Evaluate edema for pitting:
Assessing edema for pitting is important for gathering additional information, but it is not the initial action in this scenario. Assessing pulses is more critical to evaluate perfusion.
C. Wrap the feet with warmed blankets:
Warming the feet with blankets may be appropriate in some situations, but it is not the priority when the client is exhibiting edema and non-palpable pedal pulses. The primary concern is assessing perfusion.
D. Assess pulses with a vascular Doppler:
This is the correct action. The non-palpable pedal pulses are concerning and require immediate assessment to determine the status of peripheral perfusion. Using a vascular Doppler will help the nurse assess the presence or absence of blood flow in the lower extremities.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Instruct the client to avoid foods with gluten, such as wheat bread.
While some individuals with Crohn's disease may experience improvement by avoiding certain types of carbohydrates, including gluten, this recommendation is not universally applicable to all individuals with Crohn's disease. Gluten restriction is more relevant for those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease.
B. Explain that the need to restrict fluids is the primary limitation.
This statement is not accurate. Fluid restriction is not a primary dietary limitation for individuals with Crohn's disease. In fact, maintaining adequate hydration is generally important for overall health. Restricting fluids is not a standard dietary recommendation for managing Crohn's disease.
C. Advise the client to limit foods that are high in calcium and iron.
Limiting foods high in calcium and iron is not a standard recommendation for Crohn's disease. In fact, adequate intake of essential nutrients, including calcium and iron, is important for overall health. Limiting these nutrients could lead to nutritional deficiencies.
D. Describe the use of an elimination diet to find trigger foods.
This is the most appropriate response. Crohn's disease symptoms can vary among individuals, and identifying trigger foods through an elimination diet can help personalize dietary recommendations. By systematically eliminating and reintroducing foods, individuals can identify which specific foods may exacerbate their symptoms.
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