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:
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.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Digoxin is used to treat heart failure and atrial fibrillation, but it doesn’t directly address the fluid accumulation in the lungs caused by pulmonary edema.
Choice B rationale:
Captopril, an ACE inhibitor, can help reduce fluid buildup and is typically beneficial for patients with pulmonary edema.
Choice C rationale:
Furosemide is a diuretic that helps remove excess fluid from the body, making it a key medication for treating pulmonary edema.
Choice D rationale:
Carvedilol, a beta blocker, can be used to treat heart failure and hypertension, conditions that can contribute to pulmonary edema.
So, the correct answer is A, after analyzing all choices.
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