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 B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Leaving the door open so the client recognizes her belongings might help, but it is not the most effective solution. It relies on the client being able to remember and identify her possessions, which can be challenging with Alzheimer's disease.
Choice B reason: Placing a picture of the client on her door is an effective intervention. It provides a clear visual cue that the client can easily recognize, helping her to identify her own room without relying on memory alone. This approach uses a personal and familiar image, making it easier for the client to find her room.
Choice C reason: Putting a bright red balloon on the client's door may attract attention but does not provide a personal or meaningful cue for the client. While it might help distinguish the door, it lacks the personal connection needed for effective recognition.
Choice D reason: Enlarging the letters of her name on the door can help, but it still relies on the client's ability to read and recognize her name, which may be impaired. A picture of the client is a more straightforward and effective visual aid.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A reason: Determining if the client is using an inhaler before exercising is the most immediate and relevant action. Inhalers, particularly bronchodilators, can help prevent exercise-induced bronchoconstriction by relaxing the airway muscles and reducing mucus production.
Choice B reason: Assessing the client for signs and symptoms of upper airway infection is important but may not be directly related to the episodes triggered by exercise. This action might be more appropriate if there are other indications of infection.
Choice C reason: Reviewing the client's routine asthma management prescriptions is a good practice, but it should come after addressing the immediate concern of managing exercise-induced symptoms. Ensuring proper inhaler use can have a more immediate impact.
Choice D reason: Teaching the client to use pursed-lip breathing when episodes occur is useful for managing dyspneal but does not address the prevention of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction as effectively as using an inhaler.
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