A nurse is planning care for a client who has dementia and lives at home. Which of the following physiological changes should the nurse educate the client and family to monitor?

A. Comply with compression therapy:

Compression therapy typically refers to the use of compression garments or devices to improve circulation and reduce swelling in the extremities, particularly in conditions such as venous insufficiency or deep vein thrombosis.

While compression therapy may be beneficial for certain circulatory disorders, it is not a standard treatment for cardiac tamponade.

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to increased pressure on the heart and impaired cardiac function.

Treatment for cardiac tamponade involves prompt recognition and intervention to relieve the pressure on the heart, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities:

Monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is essential for assessing healing, preventing complications such as infection, and promoting overall wound care.

However, monitoring wounds on the lower extremities is not directly related to the management or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

In cardiac tamponade, the focus of monitoring is on assessing signs and symptoms of cardiac compromise, such as hypotension, tachycardia, dyspnea, and pulsus paradoxus, rather than wound care.

C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered:

Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed to prevent platelet aggregation and reduce the risk of thrombotic events, particularly in patients with cardiovascular disease or a history of myocardial infarction or stroke.

While antiplatelet medications may be part of the long-term management of certain cardiac conditions, they are not specific to the treatment or monitoring of cardiac tamponade.

The primary treatment for cardiac tamponade involves interventions to relieve the pressure on the heart and restore cardiac function, such as pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage of the pericardial effusion.

D. Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms:

Phase II of cardiac tamponade is characterized by a gradual onset of symptoms as the pressure within the pericardial sac increases, leading to impaired cardiac filling and decreased cardiac output.

Symptoms may include dyspnea, fatigue, orthopnea, tachycardia, and chest discomfort, which may develop gradually over time.

Early recognition of symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and intervention to prevent further deterioration and improve outcomes in patients with cardiac tamponade.

A. Difficulty swallowing: Difficulty swallowing is not typically associated with atrial fibrillation. It may be a symptom of various other conditions such as dysphagia, esophageal disorders, or neurological disorders, but it is not a common manifestation of atrial fibrillation.

B. Shortness of breath: This is the correct answer. Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common symptom of atrial fibrillation. Atrial fibrillation can lead to ineffective atrial contraction, resulting in decreased cardiac output and potential fluid accumulation in the lungs, leading to dyspnea.

C. Exertional fatigue: This is the correct answer. Exertional fatigue, or feeling excessively tired or weak with physical activity, is a common manifestation of atrial fibrillation. Reduced cardiac output and inefficient heart function due to irregular heart rhythms can lead to fatigue, especially during exertion.

D. Weight gain: Weight gain is not typically associated with atrial fibrillation. While some individuals with heart conditions may experience fluid retention and subsequent weight gain, it is not a specific manifestation of atrial fibrillation itself.