A nurse is providing teaching to newly licensed nurses about cardiac tamponade. Which of the following should the nurse include when teaching about Phase Il cardiac tamponade?
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 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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A","B","D","E"]
Explanation
A. Elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Elevated ESR is commonly seen in inflammatory conditions such as pericarditis. ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood over a certain period, and elevated levels indicate inflammation or tissue damage.
B. Increased C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are indicative of inflammation, making it a useful marker in pericarditis.
C. Elevated thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH): Elevated TSH levels are not typically associated with pericarditis. TSH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that stimulates the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones. Elevated TSH levels are seen in conditions such as hypothyroidism.
D. Increased brain natriuretic peptide (BNP): BNP is a hormone produced by the heart in response to increased pressure and volume overload. Pericarditis can lead to increased pressure within the heart, resulting in elevated BNP levels. Therefore, increased BNP levels are anticipated in pericarditis.
E. Increased troponin I: Troponin I is a cardiac biomarker released into the bloodstream when there is damage to cardiac muscle cells. While pericarditis primarily involves inflammation of the pericardium (the sac surrounding the heart), severe cases can lead to myocardial involvement and subsequent release of troponin I. Therefore, increased troponin I levels may be observed in pericarditis, especially if there is myocardial involvement.
Correct Answer is ["A","C","D"]
Explanation
A. In the community, the nurse should notify emergency services: In a community setting, such as outside the hospital or in a public area, it is essential to activate emergency medical services (EMS) by calling for help immediately when initiating CPR.
B. Compression rates and depths vary depending on the setting: Compression rates and depths for CPR follow standardized guidelines set by organizations such as the American Heart Association (AHA) and may not significantly differ between community and hospital settings. These guidelines typically recommend a compression rate of 100-120 compressions per minute and a compression depth of at least 2 inches (5 centimeters) for adults.
C. In the hospital, codes are addressed by an interprofessional team: In a hospital setting, cardiac arrest situations are typically addressed by an interprofessional team consisting of physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare providers. This team-based approach allows for coordinated efforts in resuscitation, including advanced interventions such as airway management, medications, and defibrillation.
D. In the community, the nurse might use laypeople for assistance: In a community setting, especially if the nurse is providing CPR outside of a healthcare facility, there may be a need to involve laypeople or bystanders for assistance. Promptly recruiting bystanders to call for help, retrieve an AED if available, or assist with chest compressions can improve outcomes for the victim of cardiac arrest.
E. In the community, the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) requires the presence of a health care provider: In many community settings, including public places like shopping malls, airports, and schools, automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are available for use by laypeople or bystanders. While the presence of a healthcare provider is beneficial, AEDs are designed to provide audio and visual instructions for use by individuals without medical training, allowing for rapid defibrillation in cases of sudden cardiac arrest.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.