A client with heart failure (HF) is waiting in the preoperative area for a scheduled procedure and tells the nurse, "My heart feels like it is beating too fast and I feel faint." After initiating a call for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?

Degree of skin elasticity.

Length of capillary refill.

Rhythm of apical pulse.

Volume of pedal pulses.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

Choice A reason: The degree of skin elasticity is a measure often used to assess hydration status, especially in older adults. However, it does not provide direct information about the client's cardiac function or the cause of their current symptoms.

Choice B reason: The length of capillary refill is useful for assessing peripheral perfusion and overall circulatory status. While prolonged capillary refill can indicate poor perfusion, it does not provide specific information about heart rhythm or the cause of palpitations and faintness in a client with heart failure.

Choice C reason: The rhythm of the apical pulse is the most important assessment data to obtain in this scenario. The client's complaint of a fast-beating heart and feeling faint suggests a possible arrhythmia, which could be detected by assessing the rhythm of the apical pulse. This assessment can help identify irregular heartbeats, tachycardia, or other abnormalities that may require immediate intervention.

Choice D reason: The volume of pedal pulses can provide information about peripheral circulation, but it is not as crucial as assessing the heart rhythm in a client experiencing palpitations and faintness. Peripheral pulse volume may not change significantly with certain arrhythmias or cardiac issues that affect the central circulation more directly.

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Correct Answer is D

Explanation

Choice A reason: While high serum insulin levels can be indicative of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, they are not as directly related to cardiac risk as large waist circumference.

Choice B reason: Hyperpigmentation on neck skin folds, also known as acanthosis nigricans, can indicate insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome but is not as strong a predictor of cardiac disease as central obesity.

Choice C reason: Poor muscle tone is not a direct indicator of cardiac disease risk. It can be associated with overall health and fitness but is not as specific a risk factor for cardiac disease.

Choice D reason: Large waist circumference with central fat, also known as abdominal obesity, is a well-known risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Central fat is associated with increased risk of heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes, making it a significant indicator to monitor.

A. Test her urine for the presence of haematuria. B. Measure her temperature and heart rate. C. Evaluate the urine for a strong Odor. D. Palpate the right flank for tenderness.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A reason: Testing the urine for the presence of haematuria is important for diagnosing a urinary tract infection (UTI) or kidney stones, but it is not the most immediate intervention. Haematuria indicates blood in the urine, but assessing the client's vital signs is more urgent to determine if there is an acute issue that requires immediate attention.

Choice B reason: Measuring her temperature and heart rate is the most critical first step. These vital signs can provide immediate information about the client's overall condition and help identify potential systemic infection (fever) or hemodynamic instability (tachycardia). This information is essential for prioritizing further interventions and determining the urgency of the situation.

Choice C reason: Evaluating the urine for a strong Odor can help identify the presence of a UTI, but it is not as immediately critical as assessing the client's vital signs. Changes in urine Odor can support a diagnosis, but they do not provide the urgent information needed to assess the client's immediate health status.

Choice D reason: Palpating the right flank for tenderness is important for assessing kidney involvement, such as in cases of pyelonephritis (kidney infection). However, this physical examination should follow the assessment of vital signs to ensure the client is stable and not in immediate danger.

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A client with heart failure (HF) is waiting in the preoperative area for a scheduled procedure and tells the nurse, "My heart feels like it is beating too fast and I feel faint." After initiating a call for an electrocardiogram (ECG), which assessment data is most important for the nurse to obtain?

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse calculates the body mass index (BMI) for an adult client who is obese. Which additional assessment finding places the client at high risk for cardiac disease?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

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