A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has heart failure. Which of the following findings should the nurse report to the provider?
Chest x-ray showing cardiomegaly
PaCO2 55 mmHg
Potassium level 4.5 mEq/L
Urinary output of 1,000 mL in 12 hr
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Chest x-ray showing cardiomegaly is not a new finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates enlargement of the heart due to increased workload and pressure on the cardiac chambers.
Choice B reason: PaCO2 55 mmHg is an abnormal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates respiratory acidosis, which is a condition where the lungs cannot eliminate enough carbon dioxide and the blood becomes too acidic. This can be caused by pulmonary edema, which is a complication of heart failure that impairs gas exchange and ventilation.
Choice C reason: Potassium level 4.5 mEq/L is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate electrolyte balance and renal function.
Choice D reason: Urinary output of 1,000 mL in 12 hr is a normal finding for the client who has heart failure, as it indicates adequate fluid status and cardiac output.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect. Potassium 4.0 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Choice B: This is correct. Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a hormone that is released by the heart when it is stretched or overloaded. A high level of BNP indicates that the heart is working harder than normal and may have heart failure. A normal BNP level is less than 100 pg/mL, so 275 pg/mL is elevated and suggestive of heart failure.
Choice C: This is incorrect. Sodium 140 mEq/L is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Choice D: This is incorrect. Calcium 9.0 mg/dL is a normal value and does not indicate heart failure.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A: This is incorrect. The Sims' position is not used for a colposcopy, which is a procedure that examines the cervix with a magnifying device. The client should be placed in the lithotomy position, which involves lying on the back with the legs spread and supported by stirrups.
Choice B: This is incorrect. The nurse should not insert a tampon following the procedure, as this can introduce bacteria and cause infection. The nurse should advise the client to use sanitary pads instead.
Choice C: This is correct. The nurse should instruct the client to avoid sexual intercourse until the cervix is healed, which can take up to a week. Sexual intercourse can cause bleeding, pain, and infection.
Choice D: This is incorrect. The nurse should not reinforce teaching that the procedure involves dilation of the cervix, as this is not true. A colposcopy does not require dilation of the cervix, unlike some other procedures such as endometrial biopsy or hysteroscopy.
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