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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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Measure the client's blood pressure:
While monitoring blood pressure is an important aspect of assessing a client's overall condition, it is not the immediate priority in a suspected opioid overdose. Respiratory depression and difficulty in arousing are more critical concerns that warrant prompt intervention with naloxone.
B. Remove all of the morphine patches:
While eventually, the nurse will need to address the presence of multiple morphine patches, removing them is not the first action. Administering naloxone to reverse the opioid effects takes precedence over patch removal.
C. Apply oxygen per face mask:
While providing oxygen may be necessary to support respiratory function, it doesn't address the underlying cause of the respiratory distress, which is likely opioid toxicity. Administering naloxone is the more direct and immediate intervention to counteract the effects of the opioids.
D. Administer a narcotic antagonist:
This is the correct and immediate priority. If the client is difficult to arouse and has multiple morphine patches, it raises concerns about opioid toxicity. Naloxone is a narcotic antagonist that can reverse the effects of opioid overdose, particularly respiratory depression, and is crucial in this scenario to restore normal respiratory function.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Carcinogens are substances that contain cancerous cells:
This statement is incorrect. Carcinogens are substances that have the potential to cause cancer, but they do not necessarily contain cancerous cells themselves.
B. Substances that change a cell so that it becomes cancerous are potential sources of cancer:
This is the correct answer. Carcinogens are agents that can induce changes in the genetic material of cells, leading to the development of cancer. They can initiate or promote the process of carcinogenesis.
C. Environmental factors such as sunlight and chemicals can cause cancer to spread:
This statement is not accurate. Carcinogens can contribute to the initiation or promotion of cancer, but the spread of cancer (metastasis) involves complex biological processes and is not directly caused by environmental factors.
D. Carcinogens are in the environment and cannot be avoided:
This statement is not accurate. While carcinogens may be present in the environment, efforts can be made to minimize exposure and adopt preventive measures. Avoidance of known carcinogens and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle can contribute to cancer prevention.
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