A client with coronary artery disease (CAD) is admitted to the medical unit for testing. The client describes having had frequent episodes of angina over the last few days prior to admission. The client is now experiencing shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pressure. After obtaining the client's vital signs, which action should the nurse take next?
Verify troponin level assessments are scheduled every 3 to 6 hours for a series of three.
Initiate dim lighting, lower alarm volumes, and control traffic in and out of the room area.
Count and record the number of premature ventricular contractions per minute.
Apply oxygen via nasal cannula and titrate to keep oxygen saturation above 93%.
The Correct Answer is D
Rationale
A. Troponin levels are cardiac biomarkers that are elevated in the blood when there is damage to the heart muscle, such as during a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Verifying the schedule for troponin assessments is important to monitor for myocardial damage and to guide treatment decisions.
B. This action is aimed at creating a quiet and calm environment for the client, which can help reduce anxiety and minimize stimuli that might exacerbate symptoms. Creating a conducive environment is beneficial for the client's comfort and well-being but should not delay urgent interventions required for acute symptoms.
C. PVCs are abnormal heartbeats that can occur in individuals with CAD and may indicate increased cardiac irritability or instability. While monitoring PVCs is important for assessing cardiac rhythm and potential complications, it is not the immediate priority over addressing acute symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, and chest pressure.
D. Oxygen therapy is essential in the management of a client with suspected ACS to improve oxygenation and reduce cardiac workload. Maintaining oxygen saturation above 93% helps ensure adequate tissue oxygenation, especially during episodes of chest discomfort and potential myocardial ischemia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale
A. Acute pain following laser trabeculoplasty could indicate increased intraocular pressure, inflammation, or other complications. Reporting the pain to the surgeon allows for prompt evaluation and intervention, which may include further assessment of intraocular pressure, examination of the surgical site, and consideration of additional treatment modalities such as pain management or anti- inflammatory medications.
B. Postoperative antibiotics are typically prescribed to prevent infection after surgery. However, acute pain alone may not indicate an infection, and starting antibiotics without assessing the cause of pain could delay appropriate management. Antibiotics are not indicated as the first-line response to acute pain in this context.
C. Eye shields are commonly used after eye surgery to protect the eye from light and potential trauma. While important for protecting the eye, applying eye shields addresses a different aspect of postoperative care (protecting the eye from external factors), rather than addressing the acute pain reported by the client.
D. Nausea and vomiting can sometimes occur postoperatively due to anesthesia or medications. However, administering an antiemetic is not the appropriate action in response to acute eye pain following laser trabeculoplasty. It does not address the underlying cause of the pain and is not part of the standard immediate management for this situation.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","E","F"]
Explanation
A. Clonazepam is a benzodiazepine used primarily for anxiety disorders and can affect mental status, including cognition and level of alertness. Regular assessment helps monitor for any changes in mental status, such as drowsiness, confusion, or sedation, which are potential side effects of clonazepam.
B. This intervention helps maintain oral hygiene, which is important when a client is taking medications orally. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause dry mouth as a side effect, which can contribute to oral hygiene issues such as increased risk of dental caries or oral infections.
C. Clonazepam itself does not directly affect calcium levels. Monitoring calcium levels is not a routine nursing intervention specifically related to clonazepam administration. This option is not appropriate in this context.
D. Clonazepam is not an opioid and does not directly interact with opioids in a way that would necessitate having an opioid agonist at the bedside. This option is not relevant for a client starting clonazepam.
E. Clonazepam can cause dizziness and impair coordination, especially when starting the medication or with dose changes. Assisting the client to the bathroom helps prevent falls and ensures safety, particularly if the client experiences dizziness or sedation.
F. Benzodiazepines like clonazepam can cause hypotension (low blood pressure), which may exacerbate upon standing (orthostatic hypotension). Screening involves checking blood pressure and heart rate in different positions (lying, sitting, standing) to detect orthostatic changes. This is important to prevent falls and other complications.
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