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.
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
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.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: Lung sounds are important to assess for signs of fluid in the lungs, such as crackles, which can occur with fluid volume overload. However, they do not directly measure fluid balance.
Choice B reason: Turgor assesses skin elasticity and hydration status, but it is not the most accurate indicator of overall fluid balance in the context of fluid volume overload.
Choice C reason: Weight is the most accurate and direct measure of fluid balance. Daily weight monitoring can track changes in fluid status, as weight fluctuations can reflect gains or losses in body fluid.
Choice D reason: Blood pressure is important to monitor, especially in clients with fluid volume issues, but it is not the most direct measure of fluid balance. Weight changes provide more precise information about fluid status.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.