A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has left-sided heart failure. Which of the following assessment findings should the nurse expect?
Dependent edema
Frothy sputum
Nocturnal polyuria
Jugular distention
The Correct Answer is B
Frothy sputum is a sign of left-sided heart failure, due to the pulmonary congestion and impaired gas exchange. The sputum may be pink-tinged or blood-streaked, indicating pulmonary edema.
a. Dependent edema is more likely to be seen in clients who have right-sided heart failure, due to the increased venous pressure and fluid retention. The edema is usually symmetrical and affects the lower extremities, abdomen, and sometimes the face.
c. Nocturnal polyuria is not a specific finding of left-sided heart failure, but it may occur in clients who have renal impairment, diabetes mellitus, or diuretic therapy.
d. Jugular distention is another sign of right-sided heart failure, due to the increased central venous pressure and backward flow of blood into the superior vena cava. It is visible as a bulging of the neck veins, especially when the client is in a semi-Fowler's position.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Ventricular gallop is another name for the S3 sound, which is a low-pitched sound heard at the end of diastole, just after the S2 sound. It is caused by the rapid filling of the ventricles and the vibration of the ventricular walls.
Closure of the pulmonic valve is one of the components of the S2 sound, which is a high-pitched sound heard at the end of the systole, just before the S1 sound. It is caused by the closure of the semilunar valves (pulmonic and aortic).
Closure of the mitral valve is one of the components of the S1 sound, which is a high-pitched sound heard at the beginning of systole, just after the S2 sound. It is caused by the closure of the atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid).
d. Atrial gallop is another name for the S4 sound, which is a low-pitched sound heard at the end of diastole, just before the S1 sound. It is caused by atrial contraction and increased resistance to ventricular filling.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Turn the client's head to the side.
The nurse should turn the client's head to the side first to prevent aspiration of oral secretions and maintain a patent airway. This is the priority action according to the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) principle.
Check the client's motor strength is wrong because it is not the priority action and it is not feasible during a seizure. The nurse should check the client's motor strength after the seizure to assess for any neurological deficits or postictal weakness.
Document the time the seizure began is wrong because it is not the priority action and it can be done later. The nurse should document the time, duration, type, and characteristics of the seizure, but only after ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
Loosen the clothing around the client's waist is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may not be necessary. The nurse should loosen any tight clothing that could impair breathing or circulation, but only after securing the airway and protecting the head from injury.
Turn the client's head to the side.
The nurse should turn the client's head to the side first to prevent aspiration of oral secretions and maintain a patent airway. This is the priority action according to the airway, breathing, and circulation (ABC) principle.
Check the client's motor strength is wrong because it is not the priority action and it is not feasible during a seizure. The nurse should check the client's motor strength after the seizure to assess for any neurological deficits or postictal weakness.
Document the time the seizure began is wrong because it is not the priority action and it can be done later. The nurse should document the time, duration, type, and characteristics of the seizure, but only after ensuring the client's safety and well-being.
Loosen the clothing around the client's waist is wrong because it is not the priority action and it may not be necessary. The nurse should loosen any tight clothing that could impair breathing or circulation, but only after securing the airway and protecting the head from injury.
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