A client with a recent ST segment elevation MI (STEMI) presents with bilateral lower extremity edema and crackles throughout the lung fields.What is the nurse's priority intervention for this client?
Increase the client's fluid intake to prevent dehydration.
Administer prescribed diuretics to reduce fluid overload.
Apply warm compresses to the lower extremities to reduce edema.
Encourage the client to ambulate to improve circulation.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale
Increasing fluid intake is contraindicated in clients with fluid overload, such as those with bilateral lower extremity edema and lung crackles. It can worsen the condition.
Choice B rationale
Administering prescribed diuretics is the priority intervention to reduce fluid overload in clients with heart failure post-STEMI. It helps to decrease edema and pulmonary congestion.
Choice C rationale
Applying warm compresses to the lower extremities may provide temporary relief but does not address the underlying issue of fluid overload.
Choice D rationale
Encouraging ambulation is beneficial for overall health but is not a priority intervention for managing fluid overload in this context. .
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Hypertension is not typically a sign of heart failure related to cor pulmonale. It is more associated with systemic issues rather than pulmonary complications.
Choice B rationale
Peripheral edema is a common sign of heart failure and cor pulmonale due to increased pressure in the venous system, leading to fluid accumulation in the tissues.
Choice C rationale
Increased respiratory rate may occur but is not specific to heart failure in cor pulmonale.
Choice D rationale
Cough with pink-tinged sputum is more indicative of pulmonary edema related to left-sided heart failure rather than cor pulmonale.
Correct Answer is []
Explanation
Condition: Myocardial infarction.
2 actions:
Administer oxygen via nasal cannula 2 L/min,
Request a prescription for aspirin 325 mg.
2 parameters:
Vital signs,
Electrocardiogram (ECG) rhythm.
Rationale for correct condition: A myocardial infarction is indicated by the elevated troponin levels and ST elevation on the ECG. The client’s symptoms of chest pain, elevated heart rate, and low oxygen saturation support this diagnosis. Prompt identification and treatment are crucial to minimize heart damage. The medical history of hypertension and coronary artery disease increases the likelihood. Immediate interventions can significantly improve outcomes.
Rationale for actions: Administer oxygen to improve oxygenation and reduce myocardial workload. Requesting aspirin helps prevent further clot formation. Morphine alleviates pain but may obscure symptoms, making it less urgent. Nitroglycerin relieves chest pain by vasodilation but is secondary. Verapamil is less immediate for acute myocardial infarction management. Vital signs reflect hemodynamic status and response to treatment. ECG rhythm detects ongoing ischemia or arrhythmias. Monitoring WBC count is less relevant acutely. Platelet count is stable; not the focus in immediate management.
Rationale for parameters: Vital signs ensure hemodynamic stability and detect hypotension or shock. ECG rhythm monitors arrhythmias and ongoing ischemia, critical in myocardial infarction. WBC count indicates infection or inflammation, less immediate concern. Platelet count is important for bleeding risks but less immediate. Chronic stable angina presents with predictable, non-severe pain. Ischemic stroke symptoms differ; focus on neurological deficits. Cardiogenic shock would present with more severe hypotension and signs of organ failure.
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