A patient has been diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). For what other health condition should the healthcare professional assess this patient for as the priority?
Pneumonia
Heart failure
Pulmonary emboli
Acute pulmonary edema
The Correct Answer is A
A. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a common cause of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is associated with significant inflammation and alveolar damage. Assessing for pneumonia is a priority as it can exacerbate ARDS and lead to further respiratory compromise. Early identification and treatment of pneumonia can significantly improve the patient's outcome.
B. Heart failure: While heart failure can contribute to respiratory distress, ARDS is primarily a non-cardiogenic condition. Assessing for heart failure is important, but pneumonia is more directly linked to the development of ARDS and should be prioritized.
C. Pulmonary emboli: Although pulmonary embolism can cause acute respiratory distress, it is not the primary concern when dealing with ARDS. Assessing for embolism is important, but pneumonia is a more common and immediate concern in the context of ARDS.
D. Acute pulmonary edema: Acute pulmonary edema is usually associated with cardiac issues and is not the underlying cause of ARDS. While monitoring for pulmonary edema is necessary, pneumonia is the more relevant condition to assess in a patient diagnosed with ARDS.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["B","C","D"]
Explanation
A. Percutaneous coronary intervention: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is a treatment used to open blocked coronary arteries during a myocardial infarction but is not a complication of the event itself. It is a therapeutic procedure aimed at restoring blood flow and is not a direct consequence of myocardial infarction.
B. Sudden death: Sudden death can occur as a complication of myocardial infarction due to severe dysrhythmias or cardiac arrest resulting from electrical instability in the heart. This complication is critical and can occur shortly after the onset of an MI or during recovery.
C. Dysrhythmias: Dysrhythmias are common complications following myocardial infarction, often arising from ischemic damage to the heart muscle, which disrupts the normal electrical conduction pathways. These irregular heartbeats can range from benign to life-threatening.
D. Congestive heart failure: Congestive heart failure can develop as a complication of myocardial infarction due to the loss of functional cardiac muscle, resulting in decreased cardiac output and the heart's inability to pump effectively. This complication can develop acutely or progressively over time following an MI.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Prinzmetal or variant angina: Prinzmetal angina, also known as variant angina, is characterized by episodes of chest pain due to vasospasms of the coronary arteries. This type of angina can occur unpredictably, often at rest, and is associated with transient ischemia of the heart muscle.
B. Unstable angina: Unstable angina is characterized by sudden, unpredictable chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion and may last longer than stable angina. It indicates a significant risk of myocardial infarction but is not primarily caused by vasospasm.
C. Angina pectoris: Angina pectoris is a general term for chest pain due to ischemia, which can be stable or unstable. It does not specifically refer to the vasospasm that defines Prinzmetal angina.
D. Stable angina: Stable angina is characterized by predictable chest pain that occurs with exertion or stress and is relieved by rest or nitroglycerin. It is not associated with coronary artery vasospasms.
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