A nurse in the emergency department is assessing a client who has a history of angina and reports chest pain. Which of the following findings is the priority?
Three doses of nitroglycerin relieve the client's pain.
Pain radiates to the client's left arm.
Pain began in the morning while the client was resting.
Pain is greatest in the client's substernal chest area.
The Correct Answer is C
Rationale:
A. Three doses of nitroglycerin relieve the client's pain: While nitroglycerin can relieve chest pain related to angina, the fact that the pain subsides after three doses may indicate stable angina. However, this does not address the underlying concern if the pain began at rest, which is more concerning.
B. Pain radiates to the client's left arm: Pain radiating to the left arm is a common symptom of angina or myocardial infarction (MI). While this is concerning, it is not the most urgent finding compared to the pain onset, especially when pain occurs at rest.
C. Pain began in the morning while the client was resting: Chest pain occurring at rest, especially in the morning, is the most concerning symptom. This could indicate unstable angina or an impending myocardial infarction (MI). Unstable angina is more dangerous than stable angina and requires immediate intervention.
D. Pain is greatest in the client's substernal chest area: Substernal chest pain is characteristic of angina, but it is not as concerning as the timing of pain onset. Pain at rest, especially in the morning, suggests unstable angina or MI, which is a higher priority.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["C","D","E","G"]
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Blood glucose level: The blood glucose level of 103 mg/dL is within normal limits (74 to 106 mg/dL) and does not require immediate follow-up. While the client has type 2 diabetes mellitus, the blood glucose is not abnormal at this time.
B. Bowel sounds: Bowel sounds are present in all four quadrants and do not require immediate follow-up. This finding is normal and is unrelated to the acute symptoms being assessed for a possible myocardial infarction.
C. Blood pressure: The client’s blood pressure is elevated at 164/80 mm Hg, which requires immediate attention in the context of chest pain and other symptoms that may suggest an acute myocardial infarction (MI).
D. Pain level: The client rates their chest pain as 7 out of 10, which is significant and consistent with potential myocardial ischemia or infarction. The pain’s radiation to the left arm, along with other symptoms like nausea and diaphoresis, suggest an urgent need for intervention.
E. Electrocardiogram findings: The 12-lead ECG shows tachycardia, ST segment elevation, and T wave changes, which are indicative of acute myocardial injury, such as an ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). This requires immediate intervention to prevent further myocardial damage.
F. Lung sounds: The lung sounds are clear in all lobes, which is reassuring and does not indicate an immediate concern.
G. Troponin T level: The elevated Troponin T level (0.40 ng/mL) is a key biomarker for myocardial injury. The elevation indicates ongoing cardiac damage, which requires immediate follow-up to assess for the extent of the infarction and initiate treatment.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Rationale:
A. Decontaminate hands with an alcohol-based hand rub after taking the client's pulse:
Alcohol-based hand rubs are effective for decontaminating hands after routine tasks like taking a pulse, provided hands are not visibly soiled. They are effective in removing most pathogens, making them ideal.
B. Dry hands by starting from the wrist and moving toward the fingers: Hands should be dried by patting them gently with a clean paper towel, starting from the fingers and moving toward the wrist. This technique reduces the risk of transferring pathogens to clean areas.
C. Wash hands with an alcohol-based hand rub if you have artificial nails: Alcohol-based hand rubs should not be used if artificial nails are present, as they may not effectively remove pathogens from under the nails. Handwashing with soap and water is preferred in these cases.
D. Lather hands with soap and apply friction under running water for 5 seconds: Handwashing should involve lathering with soap for at least 20 seconds, not 5, to ensure that friction is applied across all areas of the hands to remove pathogens effectively.
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