A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is an early indication of cardiac tamponade?

Widening pulse pressure

Coarse lung sounds

Muffled heart sounds

Decreased jugular vein distention

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A. Widening pulse pressure. This is typically associated with conditions like increased intracranial pressure or severe aortic regurgitation, not cardiac tamponade. Tamponade usually results in narrowed pulse pressure.
B. Coarse lung sounds. These may indicate fluid overload or pulmonary congestion, but they are not specific to cardiac tamponade and occur later or in different conditions.
C. Muffled heart sounds. This is a classic early sign of cardiac tamponade, caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, which dampens heart sounds on auscultation. It is part of Beck’s triad (muffled heart sounds, hypotension, and jugular vein distention).
D. Decreased jugular vein distention. In cardiac tamponade, jugular vein distention increases due to impaired venous return to the heart. Decreased JVD would be an unexpected finding in this condition.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Apply the largest cuff available. Using a cuff that is too large can result in falsely low readings. Cuff size should match the client’s arm circumference to ensure accuracy, but simply switching to the largest cuff does not resolve difficulty in auscultation.
B. Deflate the cuff quickly. Rapid deflation can cause the nurse to miss the systolic and diastolic sounds, making it harder to obtain an accurate reading. The cuff should be deflated at a steady rate of 2–3 mmHg per second.
C. Use the palpatory method to determine blood pressure. When sounds are difficult to auscultate, the palpatory method is a reliable alternative. This involves palpating the radial pulse while inflating the cuff to estimate systolic pressure, which helps guide a more accurate auscultatory attempt.
D. Place the arm above the level of the client's heart. Elevating the arm above heart level can lower the pressure artificially, resulting in an inaccurate measurement. For correct results, the arm should be supported at heart level.

A. "Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure." B. "Participate in range-of-motion exercises." C. "Place a pillow under your knees while in bed." D. "Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours."

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. "Remain on bed rest for 24 hours following the procedure." Prolonged bed rest increases the risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) and pulmonary complications. Early ambulation or movement is encouraged to promote circulation and prevent complications.
B. "Participate in range-of-motion exercises." Range-of-motion (ROM) exercises help stimulate venous return, improve circulation, and prevent blood stasis, which lowers the risk of postoperative blood clots and muscle stiffness.
C. "Place a pillow under your knees while in bed." Placing a pillow under the knees can impair circulation and increase the risk of venous stasis and thrombus formation. It is not recommended for circulation promotion.
D. "Use an incentive spirometer every 4 hours." While this instruction helps prevent respiratory complications, it is not a direct intervention for improving circulatory function. It's primarily used to promote lung expansion postoperatively.

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A nurse is assessing a client who is postoperative following a coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The nurse should identify that which of the following findings is an early indication of cardiac tamponade?

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