After receiving a change-of-shift report on four patients, which patient would the nurse assess first?.
Patient with dilated cardiomyopathy who has bilateral crackles at the lung bases.
Patient with acute aortic regurgitation whose blood pressure is 86/54 mm Hg.
Patient with infective endocarditis who has a murmur and splinter hemorrhages.
Patient with rheumatic fever who has sharp chest pain with a deep breath.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A rationale:
While bilateral crackles at the lung bases indicate fluid accumulation, a common symptom of dilated cardiomyopathy, it’s not as immediately life-threatening as some other conditions.
Choice B rationale:
Acute aortic regurgitation can lead to a rapid and severe drop in blood pressure, which is a medical emergency. Therefore, this patient should be assessed first.
Choice C rationale:
While a murmur and splinter hemorrhages are symptoms of infective endocarditis, they are not as immediately life-threatening as acute aortic regurgitation.
Choice D rationale:
Sharp chest pain with a deep breath could be a symptom of rheumatic fever, but it’s not as immediately life-threatening as acute aortic regurgitation.
So, the correct answer is Choice B, after analyzing all choices.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Checking the pulse rate before taking nitroglycerin is not necessary.
Choice B rationale:
Sitting down before taking nitroglycerin can prevent dizziness and fainting, which are potential side effects of nitroglycerin.
Choice C rationale:
There is no need to remove the nitroglycerin patch before taking sublingual nitroglycerin.
Choice D rationale:
The nitroglycerin patch should not be used to treat acute chest pain.
So, the correct answer is B, after analyzing all choices.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Chest pain that lasts for 20 minutes or more is characteristic of an acute myocardial infarction (AMI)123.
Choice B rationale:
Changes in pain that occur with deep breathing are more typical of musculoskeletal pain or pericarditis.
Choice C rationale:
Stable angina is usually relieved when the patient takes nitroglycerin.
Choice D rationale:
Pain that is reproducible when the patient raises the arms is more typical of musculoskeletal pain.
So, the correct answer is A, after analyzing all choices.
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