A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle.

Check the client for jugular venous flattening.

Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client.

Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is D

A. Position the client with the head of the bed elevated to a 15° angle: Clients with pericarditis typically experience relief when sitting up and leaning forward, as this reduces pressure on the inflamed pericardium. A 15° elevation is too low to provide significant relief.

B. Check the client for jugular venous flattening: Pericarditis, especially when complicated by cardiac tamponade, leads to jugular venous distension rather than flattening due to impaired venous return to the heart.

C. Administer an anticoagulant medication to the client: Anticoagulants are not routinely used in pericarditis because they may increase the risk of hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, particularly if pericarditis is due to an inflammatory or infectious cause.

D. Assess the client for a paradoxical blood pressure: Pulsus paradoxus, a significant drop in systolic blood pressure during inspiration, is a key sign of cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication of pericarditis. Monitoring for this helps in early detection and management.

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Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Increased body hair: Adrenal insufficiency leads to decreased androgen production, which may cause hair thinning rather than increased body hair. Hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) is not a typical finding in adrenal insufficiency.

B. Decreased blood urea nitrogen level: Adrenal insufficiency is often associated with dehydration due to aldosterone deficiency, leading to reduced sodium retention and increased fluid loss. This can result in elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels rather than a decrease.

C. Hyperpigmentation of the skin: Increased melanocyte-stimulating hormone (MSH) activity, triggered by elevated adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) levels, causes darkening of the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas, skin folds, and mucous membranes. This is a hallmark feature of primary adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease).

D. Hypocalcemia: Adrenal insufficiency is more commonly associated with hypercalcemia rather than hypocalcemia. Decreased cortisol levels can lead to reduced renal calcium excretion, contributing to elevated serum calcium levels.

A. Hypertension B. 2+ edema C. Tachycardia D. Crackles in lungs

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Hypertension: Elevated blood pressure is not a typical sign of bleeding. In cases of significant blood loss, compensatory mechanisms usually lead to hypotension rather than hypertension due to reduced circulating volume. A hypertensive response may occur due to pain or stress but does not indicate hemorrhage.

B. 2+ edema: Postoperative edema can occur from fluid shifts, inflammation, or IV fluid administration but is not a direct indicator of active bleeding. Bleeding is more likely to cause signs of hypovolemia, such as tachycardia or hypotension, rather than localized swelling.

C. Tachycardia: A common early sign of bleeding, as the body compensates for decreased blood volume by increasing heart rate to maintain oxygen delivery. Persistent tachycardia in a postoperative client should raise suspicion for internal bleeding, especially if accompanied by hypotension or pallor.

D. Crackles in lungs: Crackles are usually linked to fluid overload, pneumonia, or heart failure rather than bleeding. Pulmonary congestion may develop after aggressive IV fluid resuscitation, but bleeding primarily manifests with hemodynamic instability rather than respiratory symptoms.

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A nurse is caring for a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

Nursing Test Bank

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