A nurse is planning care for a client who has suspected cardiac tamponade. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate the provider to order first?

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Chest x-ray

Echocardiogram

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is C

A) Computed tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan may provide detailed images of the heart and surrounding structures, but it is not typically the initial diagnostic test used to assess for cardiac tamponade. CT scans are often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests but are not the first-line investigation for suspected tamponade.

B) Chest x-ray: While a chest x-ray may show signs of cardiac tamponade, such as an enlarged cardiac silhouette or evidence of fluid accumulation around the heart, it is not as sensitive or specific as other diagnostic tests, particularly in the acute setting. Chest x-rays may be obtained as part of the diagnostic workup, but they are not the first-line test for suspected tamponade.

C) Echocardiogram: An echocardiogram is the most appropriate initial diagnostic test for suspected cardiac tamponade. It provides real-time imaging of the heart and can detect pericardial effusion, collapse of the right atrium and ventricle during diastole (diastolic collapse), and signs of hemodynamic compromise. Echocardiography allows for rapid assessment at the bedside and can guide immediate management decisions.

D) Electrocardiogram (ECG): While an electrocardiogram may show nonspecific changes in cardiac tamponade, such as low-voltage QRS complexes or electrical alternans, it is not as sensitive or specific as an echocardiogram for diagnosing tamponade. ECG findings may support the diagnosis but are not typically the first-line test for suspected tamponade.

Nursing Test Bank

Quiz #1: RN Exams Pharmacology Exams Quiz #2: RN Exams Medical-Surgical Exams Quiz #3: RN Exams Fundamentals Exams Quiz #4: RN Exams Maternal-Newborn Exams Quiz #5: RN Exams Anatomy and Physiology Exams Quiz #6: RN Exams Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Quiz #7: RN Exams Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Quiz #8: RN Exams Community Health Exams Quiz #9: RN Exams Promoting Health across the lifespan Exams Quiz #10: RN Exams Multidimensional care Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Quiz #1: Naxlex RN Comprehensive online practice 2019 B with NGN Quiz #2: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Quiz #3: Naxlex RN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Exit Exam A Quiz #4: Naxlex HESI Exit LPN Exam Quiz #5: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor PN 2020 Quiz #6: Naxlex VATI PN Comprehensive Predictor 2020 Quiz #8: Naxlex PN Comprehensive Predictor 2023 - Exam 1 Quiz #10: Naxlex HESI PN Exit exam Quiz #11: Naxlex HESI PN EXIT Exam 2

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Severe myopia: Severe myopia, or nearsightedness, is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the inner ear and is characterized by symptoms related to balance and hearing rather than vision.

B. Vertigo: Meniere's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that causes episodes of vertigo, which is a sensation of spinning or dizziness. Vertigo is a hallmark symptom of Meniere's disease and is often accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the affected ear.

C. Anosmia: Anosmia refers to a loss of the sense of smell and is not typically associated with Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the vestibular system (balance) and auditory system (hearing) rather than the sense of smell.

D. Photopsia: Photopsia refers to the perception of flashes of light in the visual field and is not a typical manifestation of Meniere's disease. Meniere's disease primarily affects the inner ear and is not directly related to visual disturbances.

A. Difficulty swallowing B. Shortness of breath C. Exertional fatigue D. Weight gain

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

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.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

A nurse is planning care for a client who has suspected cardiac tamponade. Which of the following diagnostic tests should the nurse anticipate the provider to order first?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assessing a client who has Meniere’s disease. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is teaching a client who has symptomatic atrial fibrillation about manifestations to expect. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching? (Select All that Apply.)

Correct Answer is ["B","C"]

Explanation

A nurse is assessing a client who is experiencing an episode of tinnitus. Which of the following statements from the client indicates that the tinnitus might be affecting their well-being?

A nurse is reinforcing teaching to a group of nursing students about possible psychosocial changes a client might have after sustaining a neurologic injury such as increased intracranial pressure. Which of the following psychosocial changes should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is teaching a group of clients about the specific types of fluids that protect the structures of the inner ear. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is teaching a client who has cardiomyopathy about the side effects of their new prescription beta blocker, carvedilol. Which of the following client statements should indicate to the nurse that the client understands the teaching? (select all that apply)

A nurse is teaching a client who has macular degeneration about how to use an Amsler grid. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

A nurse is planning care for a client who has a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Which of the following nursing interventions should be added to the plan of care? (Select All that Apply.)

A nurse is teaching a client who has pericarditis. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the client teaching to explain the cause of pericarditis?

A nurse is admitting a client to the hospital unit. Which one of the following elements of the client's history and physical assessment increases the risk for the development of delirium?