A nurse assesses a client in an outpatient clinic. Which statement alerts the nurse to the possibility of left-sided heart failure?
"I have experienced blurred vision on several occasions."
"I must stop halfway up the stairs to catch my breath."
"I have been drinking more water than usual."
"I am awakened by the need to urinate at night."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Blurred vision is not a typical symptom of left-sided heart failure.
B. Difficulty breathing while performing activities, such as climbing stairs, is a classic symptom of left-sided heart failure due to pulmonary congestion.
C. Increased water intake is not directly indicative of left-sided heart failure.
D. Nocturia can occur in heart failure, but it is less specific than dyspnea on exertion.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. This description is indicative of possible myocardial infarction (MI), a life-threatening emergency. Immediate evaluation and intervention, such as administering oxygen, obtaining an EKG, and providing pain relief, are crucial to prevent further damage to the heart and reduce mortality.
B. Moderate pain worse on inspiration suggests pleuritic pain, often associated with conditions like pleuritis or pulmonary embolism, which are serious but generally not as immediately life-threatening as an MI.
C. Cramping substernal pain may indicate a gastrointestinal issue, such as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is less urgent than a potential MI.
D. A dull ache may be related to musculoskeletal or gastrointestinal issues and does not suggest the immediate need for intervention seen in MI.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Defibrillation is used for life-threatening arrhythmias like ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia, not for SVT.
B. Cardioversion is appropriate for certain arrhythmias, but in this case, SVT with a stable pulse can be treated initially with medication like adenosine.
C. Adenosine is the first-line treatment for SVT. The typical starting dose is 6 mg IVP, which can be repeated if necessary. Adenosine works by temporarily blocking the electrical conduction through the AV node, allowing the heart to reset to a normal rhythm.
D. A 12 mg dose of Adenosine is used if the 6 mg dose is ineffective, but the 6 mg dose is typically administered first.
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