A client with a recent exacerbation of heart failure reports to the nurse feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of the flopping in the chest. While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Volume of pedal pulses.

Length of capillary refill.

Rhythm of apical pulse.

Degree of skin elasticity.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Rationale

A. In heart failure exacerbation, decreased cardiac output can lead to poor peripheral perfusion, potentially manifesting as weak or diminished pedal pulses. However, in the context of acute symptoms such as palpitations or chest discomfort, assessing the rhythm and rate of central pulses (like the apical pulse) may be more immediate and informative.

B. Capillary refill time assesses peripheral perfusion and can indicate circulatory status. Prolonged capillary refill (>2 seconds) may indicate poor perfusion, which could occur in heart failure exacerbation due to reduced cardiac output. It is a valuable assessment, but in this scenario, focusing on more central aspects such as the heart rhythm is typically more immediate.

C. Assessing the rhythm of the apical pulse is crucial in this scenario. The client's sensation of "flopping" in the chest suggests palpitations or irregular heartbeats, which could indicate arrhythmias such as atrial fibrillation or other dysrhythmias.

D. Skin elasticity primarily assesses hydration status and may provide information about overall skin integrity but is less directly related to the acute symptoms described by the client. While important in general assessments, it does not directly address the urgent need to assess for arrhythmias or irregular heartbeats.

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Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has acute stress disorderrelated to traumatic stress

Acute Stress Disorder: This diagnosis fits because the client is experiencing significant distress and anxiety related to the traumatic event (her house collapsing during a hurricane). Acute stress disorder is characterized by intrusive thoughts, nightmares, flashbacks, and avoidance behaviors following exposure to a traumatic event. The client's symptoms of persistent thoughts about the event, difficulty sleeping due to these thoughts, and feeling unable to return to her previous emotional state ("funk") are indicative of acute stress disorder.

Traumatic Stress: This describes the source of the client's symptoms. The collapse of her house during a hurricane is a traumatic event that has triggered her acute stress disorder symptoms. Traumatic stress refers to the psychological and emotional response to a deeply distressing or disturbing event.

A. Secure the room with padded walls and minimal furnishings. B. Provide one-on-one observation at all times. C. Release the client as soon as composure is regained. D. Observe for extrapyramidal symptoms, such as dystonia.

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Rationale

A. While ensuring the room is secure and providing one-on-one observation are also important, the immediate concern after administering haloperidol is the potential for these side effects.

B. Continuous observation is crucial to monitor the client's behavior, mood, and safety while in seclusion. This allows the nurse to intervene promptly. However, monitoring should be specific

C. Seclusion is not intended as a punishment but as a therapeutic intervention to protect the client and others from harm during acute psychiatric episodes. The decision to release the client should be based on clinical assessment

D. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that can cause extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), including dystonia (muscle spasms). Monitoring for EPS is essential after administering haloperidol to ensure early detection and treatment, which may involve administering anticholinergic medications if EPS occurs.

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A client with a recent exacerbation of heart failure reports to the nurse feeling uncomfortable and anxious, with a sensation of the flopping in the chest. While waiting for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exhibits Select from the options to complete the sentence. After listening to the client's symptoms, the nurse realizes that she likely has dropdown related to dropdown

Correct Answer is {"dropdown-group-1":"C","dropdown-group-2":"D"}

Explanation

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A older adult client tells the nurse that of having a high-density lipoprotein (HDL) level of 85 mg/dL (2.2 mmol/L). Which action should the nurse take? Reference Range: High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) [greater than 45 mg/dL (greater than 0.75 mmol/L)]

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