A nurse is performing an electrocardiogram (ECG) on a client who is experiencing chest pain. Which of the following statements should the nurse make?

Choice A reason : The statement that the test will be complete in 30 to 60 minutes is incorrect. An ECG is a quick, non-invasive procedure that typically takes only a few minutes to perform.

Choice B reason : The statement about feeling a slight tingling is not accurate for an ECG. This test does not cause any sensations, as it simply records the electrical activity of the heart.

Choice C reason : The mention of radioactivity from dye is not applicable to an ECG. This test does not involve the use of any dyes or radioactive substances. Dyes are typically used in imaging tests like CT scans or MRIs, not ECGs.

Choice D reason : This is the correct statement. For an ECG, electrodes are placed on the patient's chest and extremities to record the electrical activity of the heart. This allows the healthcare provider to assess the heart's rhythm, identify any irregularities, and diagnose conditions.

Choice A reason : Hepatomegaly, or the enlargement of the liver, is a common finding in right-sided heart failure. This condition occurs because the heart does not pump blood effectively, leading to congestion and increased pressure in the venous system, including the hepatic veins. As a result, the liver becomes engorged with blood, causing it to enlarge. The normal liver span in adults is about 10-12 cm in the midclavicular line, and any measurement above this can indicate hepatomegaly.

Choice B reason : Orthopnea, which is shortness of breath while lying flat, is more commonly associated with left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, symptoms are more related to systemic congestion, such as swelling in the legs and abdomen, rather than pulmonary symptoms like orthopnea.

Choice C reason : Dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, can be a symptom of both left and right-sided heart failure. However, in the context of right-sided heart failure, dyspnea is usually due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites) and the increased pressure in the abdominal veins, which can compress the diaphragm and make breathing difficult.

Choice D reason : Frothy sputum is typically not a symptom of right-sided heart failure. It is more indicative of pulmonary edema, which is associated with left-sided heart failure. In right-sided heart failure, the primary issues are related to the systemic circulation and venous congestion.