A nurse is providing discharge education to a client who has valvular heart disease and peripheral vascular disease. Which of the following should the nurse include in the teaching about valvular heart disease?
Comply with compression therapy.
Monitor wounds on lower extremities.
Take antiplatelet medications as ordered.
Monitor for gradual onset of symptoms
The Correct Answer is D
A. Comply with compression therapy: Compression therapy is commonly used in the management of peripheral vascular disease (PVD), not valvular heart disease. It involves applying external pressure to the limbs to improve circulation and reduce edema. While this intervention may be relevant for a client with PVD, it is not specific to valvular heart disease.
B. Monitor wounds on lower extremities: Monitoring wounds on lower extremities is important for clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) to assess for signs of poor wound healing, infection, or tissue ischemia. However, it is not directly related to valvular heart disease. Therefore, while wound monitoring may be appropriate for this client, it is not specific to valvular heart disease education.
C. Take antiplatelet medications as ordered: Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin or clopidogrel, are commonly prescribed for clients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) to reduce the risk of thrombotic events and improve blood flow. However, they are not typically indicated as a primary treatment for valvular heart disease. While some clients with valvular heart disease may have comorbidities that warrant antiplatelet therapy, it is not specific to valvular heart disease education.
D. Valvular heart disease involves dysfunction of one or more heart valves, leading to impaired blood flow within the heart. The nurse should educate the client on monitoring for the gradual onset of symptoms related to valvular heart disease. These symptoms may include dyspnea (shortness of breath), fatigue, palpitations, chest discomfort, and edema. Monitoring for these symptoms allows for early detection of disease progression or exacerbation, prompting timely intervention and management.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
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.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated ESR indicates inflammation in the body and is not typically associated with the cause of atrial fibrillation.
B. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): This is the correct answer. A common cause of atrial fibrillation is hyperthyroidism, which is characterized by an overactive thyroid gland and often presents with elevated TSH levels. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in regulating heart rate and rhythm. Excess thyroid hormone can lead to increased heart rate and irregular heart rhythms, including atrial fibrillation.
C. Elevated brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): Elevated BNP levels are associated with heart failure and may indicate cardiac stress or dysfunction. While heart failure can predispose individuals to atrial fibrillation, elevated BNP levels themselves are not a direct cause of atrial fibrillation.
D. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation in the body and are associated with various cardiovascular diseases. While inflammation can contribute to atrial fibrillation, elevated CRP levels alone are not a direct cause of atrial fibrillation.
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